British Divers Marine Life Rescue has just run a medic course for twice as many prospective volunteers as usual. The reason?

"It's the exposure we had during the whale rescue attempt in the River Thames in January," BDMLR administrator Sue White told Divernet. "We got 31 course bookings between 21 January, when the rescue attempt happened, and the end of February, which was wonderful."

On 23 April, 60 people made BDMLR's Mammal Medic Course at Bewl Water in Kent a particularly busy affair. The normal figure for a course is 25-30.

Sue White was, however, happy to point out that, regardless of the London whale coverage, BDMLR has seen a steady increase in numbers of volunteers for some time.

"We've run 10 training courses so far in 2006. Two to three years ago, it was 10 to 15 courses in a whole year," she said.

The £60, one-day Mammal Medic Course describes all the types of marine mammals that can be found sick, trapped or beached in UK waters, and how to assess and conduct rescues. A life-size animal model is used for demonstrations.

Those who wish to take things further are put in touch with area co-ordinators who control manning, equipment and logistics for rescue operations. All units have access to experienced vets, who attend when required.

BDMLR volunteers come from all sorts of backgrounds, but the organisation's bedrock support lies with the British sport diving scene.

Related links
London whale rescue attempt
BDMLR website


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