How to help a stranded marine animal

Rugby legend does everything to rescue a very young dolphin, stranded on a beach in South Africa. But what to do if you find a beached cetacean? The animal is in difficulty, let's help him in this way

Percy Montgomery is a legendary rugby player who led his country, South Africa, to a Rugby World Cup victory. His fans adore him, and even more so after a recent act of heroism he attempted.

Montgomery tried to save a stranded dolphin by returning it to the sea. In the middle of August, he was calmly strolling along the sands of Die Otter Beach, located in Arniston, when he spotted a young dolphin in distress.

The rugby star didn’t hesitate for a moment. He grabbed the dolphin and guided it back into the water, cheering as the animal seemed to head towards the open sea. However, the first attempt failed.

A wave pushed the dolphin back, and it became stranded again just a short distance from where it had been rescued moments earlier. Montgomery didn’t give up, rushing back toward the small dolphin to save it. He made another attempt before finally seeing it swim along the coastline again.

Doris van Niekerk and friends who were with Montgomery captured his actions on camera, describing that afternoon in Arniston as “a special day.” But is this really the right way to intervene if you come across a stranded marine animal?

What to do if  you find a stranded cetacean

Marine mammal protection organizations and research institutes recommend that the first thing to do is to immediately report the animal and its location to the Coast Guard and request their intervention. The animal should not be touched or put back in the water unless you have the proper skills to assist it.

While waiting for help to arrive, there are several ways you can help the cetacean:

• Keep people, children, and dogs away, as they could further stress the animal.
• Pour water on the cetacean’s skin, which tends to overheat quickly. Avoid the blowhole to ensure the animal can breathe without obstruction.
• Try to create a shaded area using an umbrella or beach towels.
• Stay away from the cetacean’s tail, or caudal fin. In dolphins, it is incredibly strong.
• Do not touch the cetacean. It may have stranded because it is sick.

Sources: dorisvanniekerk/Instagram – IMMS