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Withernsea RNLI crew learn about marine mammal rescue in special visit

Lifeboats News Release

There was something a little different at Withernsea RNLI on Wednesday 7 May, as volunteers welcomed a visit from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) for an eye-opening educational session on how to help marine mammals in distress.

Inflatable Seal placed on Withernsea's D-Class Lifeboat

RNLI/Craig Newton

Newest crew member at RNLI Withernsea - Sid the Seal.
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The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) is a UK charity made up of trained volunteers who respond to callouts involving stranded, injured, or sick seals, dolphins, porpoises, and whales.

Whether it's a young seal pup needing space to rest or a larger marine mammal washed ashore, BDMLR is there to offer support, first aid, and rescue.

Emily and Chris, coordinators for the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region, spent the evening with the crew sharing their knowledge and explaining what to do if lifeboat volunteers come across marine wildlife in need during rescue operations.

“It’s important we’re prepared for every eventuality when we go out on a shout,” said Darren Hickey, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Withernsea. “Having Emily and Chris come in to share their experience was brilliant – it gave us all a better understanding of how we can help protect marine life while staying safe ourselves. We're really grateful for their time.”

The visit served as a reminder that anyone could encounter a marine mammal in trouble, especially along the East Yorkshire coast.

If you do spot a seal or other marine creature that looks injured, sick, or out of place, BDMLR advises keeping your distance and calling their 24-hour rescue hotline on 01825 765546. Trained volunteers can assess the situation and respond appropriately.

It’s all part of the wider effort to keep both people and marine life safe along our coastline – something both the RNLI and BDMLR are passionate about.

To learn more about BDMLR and how you can support their work, visit www.bdmlr.org.uk
inflatable equipment being spoken to by BDMLR volunteers.

RNLI/Craig Newton

BDMLR volunteers demonstrate use of inflatable kit to assist marine mammals back into water.
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Some of the equipment carried by the BDMLR volunteers

RNLI/Craig Newton

Some of the equipment carried by the BDMLR volunteers
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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the authors

James Medcalf
Lifeboat Press Officer, Withernsea
Photographer - RNLI/Craig Newton

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