First Aid for whales

Gosford Council will host a free workshop at Ocean Beach Surf Club to educate the local community on how to rescue beached whales.

Umina whale expert Ms Jeannie Lawson will run the half-day event as part of Coastcare Week on Sunday, December 6.

Ms Lawson said she has promoted the cause of whales for the past 25 years and has been involved with training National Parks rangers in whale rescue, as well as giving the annual talks on local headlands for council during the humpback whale migration season.

Ms Lawson now gives whale talks on the whale watch cruises out of Ettalong during June and October.

"During my 11 years on the headlands giving whale talks I have been stunned by the number of people who have told me stories about how they have found a whale or dolphin on a beach," Ms Lawson said.

"That started me thinking that if more people in the community knew the basic things to do, then more whale rescues could be successful.

"It is up to the professional organisations such as National Parks and ORRCA to ultimately do the rescuing, but the steps leading up to that are very important.

"That's why I have put this workshop together.

"First-aid for whales will give participants an overall knowledge of the natural history of whales and will also discuss theories on why they strand themselves on beaches.

"Rescue techniques will be taught and there is a practical session on the beach at the conclusion of the workshop.

Bookings are essential and can be made by calling Gosford council on 4304 4564.

Press release, 8 Nov 2009 Jeannie Lawson