IWDG Cetacean Live Stranding Training Course - Galway (Salthill)

Join the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) this August 9th in Salthill, in Co Galway for an IWDG accredited, hands-on Live Stranding Response Training Course. This training is designed for people who are comfortable working around the sea, fit enough to help move a small live stranded animal as part of a team, and committed to putting animal welfare and human safety first — even in emotionally intense situations.

Live strandings can be distressing and unpredictable, and not every animal can be saved. Some are critically ill, nearing the end of life and some are accidental live strandings. This course will prepare you to respond with confidence, compassion, and clarity — whether stabilising a healthy dolphin for refloat or providing palliative care to a dying animal.

The goal of this course is to increase the number of trained responders within IWDG’s national stranding network, building a confident, capable volunteer team ready to respond to live cetacean strandings around Ireland.

Please Note: Live stranding events can be unpredictable, physically challenging, and emotionally distressing.

We’re looking for volunteers who are:

• Comfortable around the sea and surf
• Physically fit and happy to work as part of a team (moving stranded animals safely is always a team effort!)
• In possession of a wetsuit or dry suit, PFD and capable of working safely in cold water conditions
• Happy to take advice on what is best for the welfare of the animal, with a strong focus on safety and teamwork
• Able to stay calm, logical, and focused on human safety and animal welfare — even when under public pressure to deliver unrealistic expectations.
• Comfortable with blood — animals can be injured during a live stranding or from gull predation and may have cuts or be bleeding
• Willing, if needed, to step into the role of Volunteer Response Coordinator at a live stranding

If that sounds like you, we’d love you to join our growing national network of trained volunteers!

What to Expect

The day includes a morning classroom session and an afternoon practical session on the beach.
You’ll learn best practices for responding to live strandings, covering assessment, stabilisation, teamwork, and safe refloating techniques.
We’ll practice together using water-filled life-sized dolphin and pilot whale training models, focusing on communication, site safety, and working together as a team during realistic stranding scenarios.
On completion of the course, participants may register with the IWDG to join our stranding network as a live stranding responder.

Please note: All IWDG volunteer responders must have active IWDG membership.

Topics We'll Cover

• How to identify different species and understand basic cetacean biology
• Common causes of live strandings
• Palliative care for critically ill or injured animals
• Risk assessment and working safely at a stranding
• Rescue techniques and how to refloat an animal safely
• Recording and reporting stranding events properly

You’ll come away with the knowledge and skills to make a real difference if you ever encounter a live stranding — following the latest international best practices.

Where It’s Happening

Morning theory session:
Galway Atlantaquaria
https://maps.app.goo.gl/U8j8AAfVpbYADZUX8

Afternoon practical session (weather dependent):
On the beach across from Galway Atlantaquaria
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vKfifTKdxJMHD6y38
53.259739, -9.072954

Important to Know

• Live stranding events involve wild animals, who during a live stranding are often very distressed and unpredictable.
• We will be using real-life footage in the palliative care section, showing an animal in distress, injured, or bleeding. These are situations you may encounter as a responder. Some people may find this footage distressing.
• Responders must always prioritise their own safety and work calmly as a team.
• Everyone must bring a wetsuit or dry suit — you’ll need it for the practical session and to be an active IWDG live stranding responder.
• You’ll also need sturdy footwear for entering the water (such as wetsuit boots, water shoes, or old runners — no bare feet).
• You must take part in the practical session (refloating the dolphin or pilot whale replica) to successfully complete the course.
• We never go deeper than waist depth during a refloat.
• Bring a packed lunch.
• The course will go ahead in rain, hail, or shine — unless there’s a red weather warning. Please dress appropriately for being active outdoors for about three hours (and expect to get wet!).
• Refunds are only available if you contact [email protected] at least 48 hours before the event.
• Minimum age: 18+, or 16+ if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What’s Included in Your Course

• One-year IWDG membership (for non-members)
• IWDG Stranding Booklet
• IWDG Live Stranding Card
• IWDG Face to Face with a Beached Whale PDF
• IWDG Cetacean Welfare document

Accreditation

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

Pricing

This course has been subsidised by the IWDG and Galway County Council Biodiversity Office to make the accessible to the general public and IWDG members.

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), and your training is being paid for by your state employer, please register at the full price rate.