When a whale or dolphin washes ashore, every minute counts. Knowing what to do—and what not to do—can mean the difference between life and death for these majestic marine mammals. A recent feature in BBC Wildlife Magazine highlights the critical actions you can take to help a beached, stranded whale or dolphin and potentially save its life. Here’s what experts want you to know before you encounter a stranding.

Why Do Whales and Dolphins Beach Themselves?

Strandings can happen for many reasons, including illness, injury, navigation errors, or even following a pod leader into shallow waters. While the exact cause is often unknown, the immediate priority is to keep the animal alive and comfortable until professional help arrives.

Understanding that a stranded marine mammal is already in distress is key. They are out of their element, can easily overheat, and may suffer from dehydration or crush injuries from their own weight. Every moment you spend calmly and correctly assisting can improve their chances of survival.

Immediate Do's and Don'ts

  • Do call local marine wildlife authorities or a stranding network immediately. They are trained to handle these situations.
  • Do keep the animal wet and cool. Use buckets of seawater to gently pour over the skin, but avoid covering the blowhole.
  • Don't push the animal back into the water unless instructed by a professional. This can cause more harm, especially if the animal is sick or injured.
  • Don't touch the tail or flippers, and keep a safe distance from the head to avoid injury to yourself and stress to the animal.

How to Keep a Stranded Animal Stable

While waiting for help, your main tasks are to keep the animal wet, cool, and shaded. Use a tarp or towels to create shade, and keep the skin moist but not overly saturated—especially around the blowhole. The blowhole must remain clear to allow breathing.

If possible, dig trenches under the pectoral fins to relieve pressure, but only if you're sure it's safe and won't cause injury. Never attempt to move the animal unless absolutely necessary and with proper guidance.

It's also important to minimize noise and commotion. Keep crowds away and speak softly. Stress can be fatal to a stranded whale or dolphin, so a calm environment is crucial.

What to Have Ready Before You Go

  • Plenty of water and buckets or containers to wet the animal.
  • Towels, sheets, or tarps for shade and to keep skin moist.
  • Your phone with a charged battery to coordinate with rescue teams.
  • A notepad and pen to record the animal's condition and behavior.

Working with Professional Rescuers

When trained responders arrive, be prepared to follow their instructions precisely. They may ask you to help with refloating, providing first aid, or simply standing by. Your role is to support them, not to take over.

Professional rescuers have the equipment and expertise to assess the animal's health, decide on the best course of action, and ensure the safety of everyone involved. In some cases, they may decide to euthanize the animal if it is suffering and has no chance of recovery. This is a difficult but humane decision that should be left to experts.

Why You Should Never Act Alone

Well-meaning bystanders have accidentally injured stranded animals by pulling them by the tail or flippers, or by pouring water into the blowhole. These actions can cause severe damage or even death. Always wait for professional guidance before taking any action beyond basic care.

Remember, a stranded whale or dolphin is not just a spectacle—it's a living creature in need of urgent help. Your calm, informed response can make a real difference.

Key Takeaways

Encountering a stranded whale or dolphin is a rare and emotional event. The most important steps are to call for help immediately, keep the animal wet and cool, and never attempt to push it back to sea. Respect the animal's space and condition, and always defer to trained professionals.

By spreading awareness and knowing what to do, you can be a part of the solution—helping to save a life and protect our ocean's gentle giants.