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A DOLPHIN-RESCUE charity has warned anyone who comes across stranded sea mammals on the Welsh coastline not to simply push them back to sea.

The unusual call comes after the attempted rescue of a harbour porpoise found washed up on White- sands Beach, Pembrokeshire, earlier this week.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue Group – which has helped co-ordinate high-profile rescues of whales, dolphins, seals and turtles around the UK coast – said such actions could be dangerous to injured sea creatures.

The porpoise was found by a member of the public. Coastguards alerted the BDMLRG, which sent a rescue squad to the area.

A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard said: “The person didn’t want to leave the stranded porpoise alone and, as there was no phone signal at the beach, they didn’t know that help was on its way.

“They re-floated the porpoise before the rescue team arrived at the scene.

“I’m not saying that the person did anything wrong. They didn’t know that we were coming and were concerned for the animal’s welfare.

“However, this is not recommended as a course of action. In 60% to 70% of strandings, the animal has something wrong with it.

“By re-floating them you may prolong their suffering. It is best to make the animal comfortable and then wait until a trained rescue team arrives to assess the fitness of the animal.”

A spokesman for the BDMLRG said: “Dolphins are usually found in deep waters offshore, but for a number of reasons they sometimes turn up in the shallow waters of an estuary, or beached on the shore.”

The warning comes after a spate of live sea animals being washed up on the Welsh coastline recently.

Marine biologist Jill Ireland, who is based at Swansea University, is investigating several such incidents, involving animals such as seals and porpoises, on Gower.

It is thought the unusual number of creatures being found on Welsh beaches (including spiny dogfish, sunfish and Portuguese man o’ war) could be linked to an erratic jet stream which is bringing storms and bad weather from the Atlantic to Britain.

Meanwhile the BDMLRG has outlined its advice on what beach-goers should do if they come across a live stranded dolphin.

A spokesman said people should first phone the organisation on 01825 765 546.

He added: “Carefully approach the animal so as not to alarm it. Don’t make any loud noises or sudden movements.

“Avoid putting yourself at risk as dolphins are powerful animals. Be especially careful of the teeth, and tail.

“If in doubt wait for help.

“If you can find help, gently roll the animal onto its front, being careful not to pull it by the fins or tail.

“Keep the skin cool and wet by dousing with seawater. Dolphins breathe air through a blowhole on the top of their heads, so make sure no water goes into its blowhole.

“If possible cover the animal with wet towels or seaweed, keeping the blowhole clear.

“Keep other people and dogs away for their own safety and to avoid stressing the animal.”

The spokesman added: “Marine mammals can carry diseases which are transferable to humans, so wash your hands thoroughly after contact.”

Dead animals should also be reported – with a phone call to the Natural History Museum on 0207 942 5155 – as the bodies can reveal details of how the animal died.