Giant fake whale used for training in Newquay

Incredible scenes show a fake whale being used for rescue training.

A specially designed whale rescue floatation system was used to re-float a stranded whale in Newquay recently.

The whale, a life-sized and weight rubber model of a pilot whale, is used by British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) to train members of the public to become Marine Mammal Medics, to help real whales and dolphins in need of assistance around the UK.

The course also uses life-sized models of a dolphin and a seal pup so trainee medics can learn safety techniques and how to use the charity’s specialist gear before they become qualified.

The April course, one of the first run in 2023, was one of the charity’s busiest areas and was attended by 30 volunteers.

The new marine mammal medics will be added to the charity’s emergency contact database which is used to respond to calls from emergency services and members of the public.

BDMLR director and trustee Gavin Parsons explains: "BDMLR’s marine mammal medic course gives people the chance to learn how to help wild animals in distress on the UK’s beaches.

"Knowing what to do to help an injured or sick seal pup, or stranded dolphin or whale could be a matter of life or death for the creature. So it’s akin to a St John’s First Aid course, but for wildlife."

BDMLR is a marine animal rescue charity that covers the coast of England, Scotland and Wales and rescues, seals, dolphins and whales in distress.

They operate alongside the RNLI, HM Coastguard, Fire Brigade, police, RSPCA and DEFRA and are the main marine animal rescue organisation in the UK.