🐚 Cleethorpes: A Haven for Marine life 🐚

Cleethorpes is renowned not only for its picturesque views but also for its diverse wildlife and marine life. Our coastline features approximately 2,500 metres of coastal salt marsh, providing a vital resting spot for migratory birds. Thanks to our proximity to Donna Nook, Grey Seals frequent our beaches. You may also see some common seals too!

The below advice applies only to seals. For stranded whales, porpoises, or dolphins, immediately call for help using the emergency contacts. Do not approach the animal—focus on noting its exact location and immediately arranging professional help.

🦭 If You Spot a Seal, Remember the 5 S's:

1. STOP:

   • Maintain Distance: Do not approach the seal. Ensure children and dogs are kept away. If the seal approaches you, especially pups, walk away so they do not follow you. If they continue to follow you, call for help.

   • Safety First: Seals can inflict serious bites if they feel threatened.

2. SPACE:

   • Keep Clear: Always maintain a minimum distance of 100 metres from the seal.

   • Respect: Unweaned pups rely on their mothers' milk. Interference can lead to abandonment.

   • Observe Safely: Use binoculars or a camera with zoom to watch from afar and out of detection.

3. SILENCE:

   • Stay Quiet: Seals are easily disturbed by noise.

   • Minimise Stress: Loud sounds can cause seals to flee, potentially resulting in injury.

   • Do Not Disturb: Stay calm, downwind, and keep a low profile to avoid detection.

4. SLEEP:

   • Let Them Rest: Seals come ashore to conserve energy, digest food, and care for their pups. Never usher them back to the water.

   • Avoid Disturbance: If a seal is looking directly at you, you have caused a disturbance.

5. SUPPORT:

   • Report Concerns: If you're worried about a seal's welfare, contact the emergency contacts below.

   • Provide Accurate Information: Share a detailed description and precise location to aid responders.

📞 Emergency Contacts:

• Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue:

  • Phone: 01472 472217 (Select the option for marine life)

  • Facebook Messenger: Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue

• British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR):

  • Rescue Hotline: 01825 765546 (24-hour hotline)

• Cleethorpes Beach Safety:

  • Phone: 01472 323356

• Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary: 01507 473346

📍 Providing an Accurate Location:

Locating a specific seal along an extensive coastline can be challenging. Use the free What3Words app to provide an exact location, or click this link, to find your location on the map.

Remember: By following the 5 S's—STOP, SPACE, SILENCE, SLEEP, SUPPORT—you play a crucial role in protecting both the seal and yourself.

For more detailed guidance, visit the BDMLR's official advice page.