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Dolphin Rescue on Umhlanga Beach
Dolphin Rescue on Umhlanga Beach
Umhlanga fitness coach, Simon Vickers, was preparing to give his usual Sunday morning fitness lesson on the beach in Umhlanga, when he noticed a spinner dolphin about 40m away from shore.
After realising that the dolphin was in distress Simon did not hesitate to swim out to the dolphin to see if he could assist. Upon approach the dolphin remained calm and unresponsive, "We saw that the dolphin was very still, which is unusual for a dolphin so we decided to try and help the dolphin by lifting it's body to allow it to breath through its blowhole." Said Simon.
It was through team work that Simon, together with his friend Derek Morris, brought the dolphin safely to grannies pool where they were able to hold on to the dolphin while help from uShaka Marine world arrived.
"We held on to the dolphin for three hours until Kelly de Klerk from uShaka arrived and examined the mammal." Simon told The Bugle, "Upon assessment it was decided that the dolphin was ready to go back to the water."
With the help of Kit Case from Casea Charters and Quinton Powers they were able to transport the dolphin back to open sea where the dolphin easily swam away.
Simon who is known as a serious dolphin lover described the experience as surreal, "Those who know me, know my love for these beautiful creatures, I was humbled being in its presence."