Stranded Rescuers trained in first aid for whales

On a blustery March day in Wellington, a group of would-be whale rescuers wearing wetsuits and hi-vis vests are waist deep in the chilly waters of Scorching Bay.

- Eva Corlett

On a blustery March day in Wellington, a group of would-be whale rescuers wearing wetsuits and hi-vis vests are waist deep in the chilly waters of Scorching Bay. Between them, a two-tonne replica of a pilot whale gently rocks in the swell.

On the sand, another group pour buckets of water over a replica dolphin, while some dig away the sand from beneath its fins. Occasionally, a trainer reminds students to stand back from the tail—if this were a real animal the tail could deliver an unexpected blow.

The animals are so life-like that beachgoers run to check on them, prompting assurances from trainers they are just models to teach people how to respond if a whale or dolphin strands.

New Zealand is a global hotspot for whale strandings, with hundreds beaching along the country's coastline each year. In most countries, strandings are primarily managed by government agencies but in New Zealand, a unique cultural phenomenon plays out—a vast network of trained volunteers leap into action.

The volunteers put their lives on hold and work with officials who lead the whale rescues, which can require hundreds of hands.