Telephone for help immediately.
While help is on the way:
1) If you can find adequate assistance, gently roll the animal over onto its front and keep the skin wet by dousing with seawater.
Do not pull on its fins or tail and be very careful not to get water down the blowhole.
2) Keep dogs and crowds away and reduce noise and sudden movement to reduce stress.
3)
Do not attempt to drag the animal.
4) Be very careful of the teeth and tail – these are large, powerful animals.
The telephone numbers to ring are:
British Divers Marine Life Rescue –
01825 765 546 and out of hours
0778 7433 412
RSPCA National Hotline –
0300 1234 999
Dead animals should be reported to the National Strandings Co-ordinator –
0800 6520 333
General Health Issues:
Marine animals can carry diseases which are transferable to humans, and they can cause injury:
1) Approach carefully and if in doubt wait for help.
2) Do not attempt to move heavy animals without adequate assistance.
3) Always wash your hands thoroughly after contact.
4) Children are at particular risk and should be kept well away.
This information has been taken from the poster written by the Marine Animal Rescue Coalition (MARC) and produced by the
UK Strandings in collaboration with BDMLR and WDCS