How else would you want to start your week other than dancing with dolphins in Sandown Bay.
That’s what happened to Kian Forster from Wight Water (Adventure Water Sports) and some of his mates as they came across a pod of around 30 dolphins this morning (Monday).
The dolphins looked like they enjoyed the company too.
Pod in Shanklin
John Robert also shared this photo he took of the pod by the time they reached the waters off Shanklin. He said,
“Not the best shot, but a pod of dolphins were off the coast of Shanklin on the Isle of Wight shot on a 7D and 600mm, heavy cropped shot into the sun and very hazy about a mile or so off shore, but it’s still lovely to see them.”
Click on image to see larger version
You can see more of John’s shots on his Facebook Page.
Warning from the experts
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) also share advice against swimming with dolphins. This followed the regular sightings of a lone dolphin in Portsmouth last year.
They say,
Interacting with dolphins runs the risk of zoonotic disease transfer, which is the passing of contagious diseases between humans and dolphins.
There are known cases in the UK where people have been infected by dolphins with pneumonia and meningoencephalitis, although the disease transmission can work both ways.
BDMLR is urging people not to enter the water with dolphins. We appreciate how unusual and exciting it is to have the opportunity to see these majestic creatures from our shores, but please dolphin-watch responsibly from land. This ensures you and the dolphin stay safe.
They go on to warn,
Interactions with wild dolphins may break the law. It is illegal to disturb or harass dolphins in UK waters and can result in criminal conviction, (including hefty fines and/or jail time), as was the case when two men went for an early morning swim with a dolphin in Kent.
If you do see the pod of dolphins and are tempted to jump in and swim with them, please note this advice below shared with us by the good folks over at Corvid Blog.
Click on image to see larger version
