Waterford IWDG Cetacean Live Stranding Training (blended learning)

Live strandings are rare but challenging events that require a calm, coordinated, and welfare-focused response. This hands-on course will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to assist safely and effectively when dolphins or other small cetaceans strand alive on our shores.

When a live stranding is reported to the IWDG hotline, trained responders are tasked to attend. The initial responder on scene carries out an initial risk and health assessment, sharing this information with the Live Stranding Coordinator, who consults with veterinary support. Decisions are always made in the best interest of the animal on welfare grounds — from refloating healthy individuals to providing palliative care where recovery is not possible.

This is a blended learning course, combining an online theory session with an in-person practical training session at Baile na Gaul Beach, Co. Waterford. The theory component covers the knowledge, welfare principles, decision-making, and safety considerations that underpin live stranding response.

As this is a blended learning course, on booking you will receive a link to select one of two live online theory sessions, which must be completed before attending the practical training day:

• Saturday 25 July 2026, 9:30am–12:00 noon
• Thursday 6 August 2026, 6:30pm–9:00pm

The online theory session concludes with a knowledge check to confirm understanding, which must be completed before attending the practical training day.

The practical session focuses on hands-on response skills, teamwork, and working in realistic coastal conditions using life-sized, water-filled dolphin and pilot whale models.

• Assessing a live stranding scene safely
• Basic cetacean biology and species identification
• Stabilising and supporting a live stranded animal
• Safe refloating techniques
• Palliative care and end-of-life welfare considerations
• Working as part of a coordinated response team
• Recording and reporting stranding events

This course is best suited to people who are comfortable around the sea and interested in becoming part of a trained live stranding response network.

It will particularly suit those who:

• Spend time in coastal or marine environments and are comfortable working in and around the sea
• Have experience in watersports or sea-based activities where you regularly assess conditions (e.g. swell, tides, currents)
• Are equipped for cold water conditions (e.g. wetsuit or drysuit and buoyancy aid)
• Are able to follow direction and work as part of a team
• Can stay calm and focused in challenging or emotional situations
• Are interested in contributing to animal welfare and conservation

Live stranding response can be physically and emotionally demanding and takes place year-round in variable coastal conditions. All responses are risk assessed, and volunteer safety is always prioritised.

If it has been more than 3 years since you last trained with IWDG, you are encouraged to attend to refresh your skills.

Participants must come prepared for outdoor and in-water activity:

• Wetsuit or drysuit
• Buoyancy aid (PFD)
• Suitable footwear for the water (e.g. wetsuit boots, water shoes, or old runners — no bare feet)
• Warm clothing and layers
• Packed lunch and drinking water

• Participants must be physically able to take part in the practical session, including entering the water to waist depth and assisting as part of a team in lifting and supporting a water-filled dolphin model (replicating the weight of a live animal)
• You must complete both the online theory and practical session to complete the course and receive certification
• Live strandings can involve injured or distressed animals; some course material may be upsetting
• Responders must always prioritise human safety and work as part of a coordinated team
• Responders may encounter sick or injured animals that are not suitable for refloating, and in all cases, the welfare of the animal is the priority. There are no dolphin rehabilitation facilities in Ireland
• Participant minimum age is 18 years

• One-year IWDG membership (for non-members only based on ticket purchased)
• IWDG Stranding Booklet
• IWDG Live Stranding Card

The practical training will take place at Baile na Gaul/Ballynagaul Beach. Details for accessing the online theory session will be provided after booking.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AEpb9mbK4JnJJLbh8

This is an official accredited IWDG Live Stranding Response course, helping to build a trained, confident volunteer network across Ireland.

This course is pending approval by the Veterinary Council of Ireland for 5 CVE credits for Veternary professionals.

This course is part-sponsored by IWDG, so we can offer it at a reduced rate for the public, while supporting community engagement and building local capacity.

If you are attending as a government body or in a professional capacity (e.g. staff from NPWS, Local Authorities, DAFM, or other government agencies), please register at the full price rate.