RNLI Lifeguards to report marine wildlife sightings

Mike Langshaw, the Trust's Seaquest volunteer explains, "For a number of years Cornwall Wildlife Trust has been collecting sightings from the public under the Seaquest Southwest project. Although valuable information has been gained, we thought that there were probably a lot more animals being seen but not being reported to us."

Marine life sightings
The Trust has provided marine life information packs to each of the 58 RNLI lifeguard units in Cornwall to help the lifeguards to identify species, but also to provide them with useful information to help them with any marine life queries that beach users may have.

The Trust recognises that the RNLI lifeguards are on our beaches to protect water users but they are also skilled surfers, swimmers and water craft handlers who get great enjoyment from the seas around Cornwall. They have a real interest in the marine environment and the animals that live in it and so have been enthusiastic about being able to help.

Mike continued, "It is great to be co-operating with a group of such dedicated and enthusiastic people who love the ocean. After a trial last year involving 12 RNLI lifeguard units, we are now setting up a countywide scheme with the lifeguards and are really excited about the chance of getting new information about the sea creatures that visit our waters and hope the lifeguards get something out of it too."

Steve Instance, the RNLI's Divisional Inspector for Lifeguards, said, "Our lifeguards are seeing interesting wildlife all the time. They want to know more and are really keen to help do something that will help preserve our marine environment. We are already seeing how we can use this scheme to help us provide information to beach users that extends beyond beach safety. The more we know about the sea the better we will be able to protect those using it."

To report a sighting please email the marine officer at joana@cornwt.demon.co.uk or call 01872 273939 ext. 207/208