Rising Whale Strandings Demand More Volunteers for UK Rescues

UK faces rising whale strandings, prompting BDMLR to recruit more volunteers for rescue efforts. Training includes realistic simulations to safely refloat whales, dolphins, and seals amid increasing incidents.

Increasing Need for Volunteers in Marine Mammal Rescues

There is a growing demand for volunteers to assist in the rescue of an increasing number of whales, dolphins, and porpoises stranded along UK coastlines.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), an organisation dedicated to the rescue and protection of marine wildlife, has called for additional volunteers to help assess, provide first aid, and refloat stranded animals.

Dan Jarvis, BDMLR's Director of Welfare and Conservation, explained the trend:

"There is a general upward increase in recent years of strandings around the UK, and we're also getting busier - particularly after winter storms."

The rise in strandings is attributed to multiple factors, including human-related hazards, increased public awareness, and a plentiful supply of prey in coastal waters.

BDMLR data shows that in 2018, approximately 22 live strandings were recorded, which more than doubled to 46 by 2025. In both 2023 and 2024, cetacean strandings (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) peaked in the 60s annually. These figures represent individual incidents, some involving multiple animals.

Jarvis highlighted regional challenges:

"Cornwall for example, is a very busy area with the volume of call-outs, but we also have other areas of the country where maybe we don't get many call-outs, but we also have very, very few volunteers.

So when something does happen in that area, it's still important for us to have enough local resource with volunteers and equipment to respond."

The organisation conducts regular training sessions using specialised equipment designed to safely refloat stranded animals.

Whales present the greatest challenge during rescues.

New volunteers practice refloating large animals using a life-sized, two-tonne replica pilot whale filled with air and water.

This model is central to BDMLR's training programme, and Jarvis noted that it is so realistic that members of the public often attempt to assist or watch as the simulated whale is carefully manoeuvred onto a large mat, with inflatables attached on either side.

Volunteers then carry the pontoon system into deeper water and rock it to stimulate the whale's muscle activity and blood circulation—a process that can last several hours and requires coordinated teamwork.

The slightly deflated black tail of a fake pilot whale is visible in the sea water. Volunteers are leaning over the whale attaching a yellow inflatable to some yellow plastic matting which is enveloping the fake whale. A large stone harbour wall is in the background and infront of that a blue small boat. In the foreground are the legs of a man in a wetsuit. — Volunteers learn how to use specialised equipment to help refloat live stranded whales

A black plastic blow up whale with a white eye and mouth is rolled on its side in shallow sea water. At the top of the picture are the hands are and arms volunteers in wetsuits they're holding onto a bit of yellow plastic which is partially underneath the fake whale. — A two tonne model pilot whale is used in a simulation rescue in Newquay

Over the past eight years, the number of volunteers has grown from about 2,000 to nearly 3,500; however, Jarvis acknowledged that some coastal regions still lack sufficient responders.

Volunteers must complete a £150 Marine Mammal Medic Course offered by BDMLR. Upon completion, they are registered and await deployment to future incidents.

Cat Douglas, a youth work manager, shared her motivation for joining a course in Newquay, Cornwall:

"I could be a support rather than a hindrance, if I came across a stranding."

Police officer James Merrikin, who typically manages crowds at strandings, remarked on his training experience:

"It was nice not having whatever I'm trying to help maybe attack me, it was very different to the day job."

Jarvis commented on the diversity of volunteers:

"Volunteers often would not meet again until a real life callout so it is bringing all of these people from very disparate backgrounds together to achieve something really quite amazing."

After mastering whale rescue techniques, volunteers advance to assisting with dolphins and receive training on caring for injured seals.

Common dolphins and harbour porpoises are among the species most frequently stranded, largely due to their abundance in coastal waters. Bycatch remains a leading cause of mortality for these animals.

BDMLR's head veterinary consultant, Natalie Arrow, emphasised the importance of safety:

"Volunteers also receive training in first aid techniques and personal safety is a priority.

Marine mammals can carry zoonotic diseases which can pass from animal to humans so we have to wear protective clothing and when it comes to helping seal pups there's a risk of being bitten too so we try and teach safe handling techniques."

Guidance for the Public on Whale Strandings

The public is urged not to intervene directly with stranded animals, avoid attempting to push them back into the water, and to stay clear of their tails.

BDMLR warns that well-meaning actions can cause harm, such as repeatedly rolling dolphins, which can break their fins and prevent successful refloating, and can also put people at risk.

Instead, people should contact BDMLR immediately.

It is advised to keep crowds and dogs away, maintain low noise levels, and keep the animal cool and moist while ensuring no water enters the blowhole.

Jarvis acknowledged the emotional intensity of rescues:

"It's nerve wracking.

When we refloat an animal, we're assessing it in the water for the first time. Seeing it swim off strongly is exhilarating - it means it has a good chance."