The RSPCA has issued a warning to anyone planning a day at the beach, highlighting potential dangers to animals that people may not realise.
RSPCA Shares Beach Safety Tips
In a Facebook post published this week, the charity shared a video with advice for beachgoers. The post stated: "Planning a beach day this summer? Keep watching to find out what you should and shouldn't be doing while at the coast. From avoiding disposable BBQs, which are currently banned for purchase, to keeping dogs on leads, simple actions can make a huge difference to the environment and our wildlife."
A team member in the video offered several tips. He said: "Avoid flying wings. Switch to solid frisbees to prevent seals from getting ringed and injured. Ditch, disposable barbeques. They cause or sandburn injuries, wildfires, and habitat loss. Take your litter home. This can harm animals. Leave nothing behind but footprints."
Key Advice for Protecting Wildlife
The RSPCA team member added: "Keep dogs on leads. Protect our coastal animals. Always remember to check seasonal beach rules. Give wildlife space, keep a respectable distance from seals and resting birds. And remember, no selfies. All actions really can make a huge difference. Enjoy the sunshine and keep our wildlife safe."
The charity noted that it receives a high volume of welfare reports during the summer months. Members of the public who spot an animal in danger or distress are advised to call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
What to Do If You Find an Animal in Distress
The RSPCA website states: "Please call us on 0300 1234 999 if an animal is in danger of harm due to suffering cruelty or neglect or is sick, injured or trapped and needs our help." It also advises taking injured wildlife to a local wildlife rescue centre or vet. "If you see a dog in a hot car we urge you to ring 999 for help as we may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, we'd need police assistance."
The RSPCA emphasises the importance of protecting your own safety when helping an animal. Its advice says: "Don't put yourself at risk to help an animal. Initially, keep a safe distance away: Assess whether it's safe to approach. With large animals or in dangerous locations, it's safest to stay back. With others, such as an entangled rabbit or hurt hedgehog, it's okay to get closer, but do so carefully. Wild animals can be highly stressed by human presence." More advice is available on the RSPCA website.
