Craig Lucas apparently fell in the water

Charlotte and Malcolm Lucas launched the campaign two weeks ago after their 21-year-old son Craig was found in the River Tawe in April.

His was the ninth death in the city's waterfront area in just over a decade.

Mr and Mrs Lucas believe there are not enough railings around the river and the marina to prevent people falling in the water.

We are doing this for Craig because he was such a good kid Charlotte Lucas

Mrs Lucas, of Llanelli, told BBC News Online she and her husband had been overwhelmed by the support they had received.

"People have been so nice and supportive, when we explain what the petition is about most are only too happy to sign," she said.

"Myself and Malcolm are hoping to take it all the way so something positive can come of this.

"Very emotional"

"It's breaking our hearts to think such a young life has been taken.

"We are doing this for Craig because he was such a good kid.

"If it had been one of his colleagues or friends he would have been at the forefront because that is the sort of kid he was."

Petition forms are on counters in shops and businesses in Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire.

Assembly members from all political parties are backing the campaign and the region's evening newspaper has carried the petition in its pages.

"Last Saturday we were collecting support outside Sainsbury's in the marina," said Mrs Lucas.

"The manager there was so helpful and provided us with tables.

"It was very emotional for us but the support we received has given us faith."

Risk audit

On Saturday the couple will be in Llanelli town centre and have vowed to continue the campaign until more railings are introduced.

Mr Lucas was reported missing after he failed to return home to Llanelli following a night out in Swansea.

An appeal for information was launched, but his body was not found for almost two weeks.

His mother said he had just been accepted as a volunteer with the Citizen's Advice Bureau and also tutored young children in maths.

Mr Lucas worked for Llansamlet solicitors John Collins after graduating from Coventry University in 2002 and he hoped to return to university to further his career.

Swansea Council is in the process of carrying out a risk audit of the marina area and a report on its findings is due later this month.

The authority said improvements had already been made to paving and lighting.