Freshwater Independent Lifeboat crews have been treated to a visit from a pod of dolphins this week, as they have been out on the water just off The Needles.
Luckily for landlubbers, the crew were quick to capture the wonderful sight on their mobile phones and share on their Twitter feed.
Our D-Class Helm, Kai Hall is back out on the yellow ribs today at #TheNeedles, joined again by a pod of dolphins — so lucky! #FLifeboat #iow #isleofwight #lifeboat #FreshwaterBay #iwnews pic.twitter.com/JpbSlBM0nh— Freshwater Independent Lifeboat (@FLifeboat) July 21, 2020
Yesterday, our D-Class helm was lucky to see a pod of dolphins at the #Needles while at work 🐬 #FLifeboat #iow #isleofwight #lifeboat #FreshwaterBay #iwnews pic.twitter.com/zDNOT4RfZw— Freshwater Independent Lifeboat (@FLifeboat) July 20, 2020
And there’s more
However, the lifeboat crew have not been alone in spotting dolphins this week, Rebel Marine also tweeted that their passengers were treated to a visit from these beautiful creatures.
Dolphins at The Needles on one of our trips today!🐬 Our passengers sure got a treat! #Dolphins #isleofwight #needles #ribtrips #charter pic.twitter.com/3eaWzcFzNx— Rebel Marine (@rebelmarineiow) July 21, 2020
Take note
If you’re out on a boat and do see some dolphins please note the following advice from experts.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) share advice against swimming with dolphins. This followed the regular sightings of a lone dolphin in Portsmouth a few years ago.
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.
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