A routine training exercise took an exciting turn for Brighton RNLI crew when a pod of dolphins joined them on their way back to Brighton Marina.
The volunteer crew had spent Saturday morning conducting training drills with the Saltdean Swim & Surf Club, honing essential rescue skills in open water.
On their return journey, just off the coast, the crew was thrilled to spot a pod of dolphins swimming alongside the lifeboat.
Volunteer crew member Tom Hedges, who was wearing the head camera that caught the footage, said: “On our way back to Brighton Marina, we met two playful dolphins who put on quite a show – swimming alongside us and showing us just how high they can jump.
“t was a huge privilege, and a highlight of the year for all the crew on board.
“We visited the Saltdean Swim & Surf Club, who train local children aged 7-16 in sea safety and lifesaving techniques.
“After demonstrating how we’d assess an injured casualty and evacuate them to our lifeboat, we held a floating Q&A in beautifully calm conditions. Thank you to all the club volunteers and young people for taking part.”
I remain convinced that brexit brought about a reduction in the number of super-trawlers in our coastal waters, resulting in an increase in the dolphin population. The Rampion wind turbines may also have something to do with it.
However this is unknown and the only people carrying out any research is this orgaisation:
https://sussexdolphinproject.org/
Interestingly we have little or no research on our dolphins, given they feature in the Brighton Crest is astounding.