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A one-day workshop is being held in Pambula on October 17, hosted by the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA).
The primary focus of the non-profit organisation is the rescue, preservation, conservation and welfare of these incredible marine mammals in Australian waters.
Jools Farrell, vice-president of ORRCA, said the organisation has been running workshops in the area for many years.
"Our workshops are very popular and are usually well-attended, people get a lot of enjoyment out of them," Jools said.
"Participants have a passion for marine creatures and join with likeminded people to learn together how to rescue marine mammals."
The thorough workshop is split in to theory and practical sessions, with blow up mini-whales and life-sized dolphins full of water used on the beach, allowing participants to learn how to get an animal on to a mat without causing it further injury.
"People learn what to do in a rescue, whether dealing with a live or deceased mammal, including protocols, health and safety," Jools said.
"We go through all the species we might assist and possible incidents rescuers might encounter. We feel our volunteers need to see what they could be up against when they go to an actual rescue.
"Unfortunately a lot of times animals do die on the beach, some rescues can be upsetting and we make it clear if volunteers don't feel comfortable and don't want to attend a rescue they don't have have to," Jools said.
Marine mammals carry diseases known as zoonotic, meaning there can be a risk of virus transmission to humans.
"It's really important to wear masks and gloves, and we don't allow immune-compromised, unwell or pregnant people to attend rescues," Jools said.
"Legally people have to stay 40 metres away from marine mammals unless authorised."
Monitoring breath rates and body condition from a safe distance allows rescuers to know if the mammal is distressed or has suffered any physical injuries, information which can then be relayed to National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
"We are licensed by them and work alongside them. Volunteers are dealing with the animal, and NPWS send rangers out to help if needed or to help with crowd control," Jools said.
Senior members of the ORRCA rescue hotline are always in the background monitoring the work being undertaken by volunteers.
"Volunteers need to stay in touch with their coordinator and report in when they have arrived on the scene, keeping us up to date with what's happening every 15-20 minutes," Jools said.
Part of the role of ORRCA and volunteers is to protect the public and provide education.
"Many people don't realise they need to be careful, especially with seals because they bite. They're beautiful but if they feel threatened they will attack," Jools said.
"We always make a 40-metre perimeter around an animal and keep the ocean entrance clear for them.
"Leopard seals are the apex predator alongside an orca, we have got to keep people and dogs away as they don't realise how quickly seals can move.
"They have razor sharp teeth and can cause serious injuries, would kill a dog without a problem, they can be ferocious."
Only rescue trained members can attend incidents. You must to be a member of ORRCA to undertake rescue training.
The one-off rescue training course fee is $99 and all future refresher courses are free to current members.
ORRCA have had to reduce numbers in workshops, dependent on the size of venue and current COVID restrictions. ORRCA are also asking participants are fully vaccinated.
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Leah Szanto
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
