Overview

• Kayaker Rhys Paterson says he intervened on August 14 near Lyme Regis after the lone bottlenose dolphin repeatedly jumped on a swimmer and pushed her head underwater.
• Recent reports describe the animal focusing on people in wetsuits, following earlier viral footage on August 3 of playful interactions that drew crowds to the area.
• The Marine Management Organisation urges people not to swim with, touch, feed, or approach dolphins and advises anyone approached by the animal to calmly leave the water.
• Photos show a suspected propeller injury from July, reinforcing concerns that close human and boat interactions are endangering the dolphin’s welfare.
• Disturbing or approaching wild dolphins can be an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with penalties of up to six months in prison and an unlimited fine.