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Beachgoers told not to disturb resting seals

Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue Four colourful signs place in the sand on a beach. The sea and sky is blue in the background. The sign on the left is blue and reads "Seals use the best to rest". The sign to the right of that is red with white and yellow writing and reads "Marine life safety barrier do not cross". The next sign in the row is red with white and yellow writing reading "The deal is awaiting assessment by a marine life medic! Please stay back. The last sign is green with white and blue writing reading "This seal is healthy! and needs to be left to rest".Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue
Signs will be put up on Cleethorpes beach when seals are spotted

A wildlife group says it hopes signage will stop resting seals being disturbed on a beach.

Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue shared images of temporary signs that will be put up when a seal is spotted at the resort.

Signs would also be used when experts are carrying out assessments on seals, the group said.

On Boxing Day, crowds - including dogs - were spotted around a seal resting on Cleethorpes beach.

Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue A photo of a beach. A seal is resting on the sand and adults, children and dogs are crowding around it. Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue
People and animals were spotted disturbing a seal resting on Cleethorpes beach on Boxing Day

Aaron Goss, lead rescuer at Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue, said: "There is an unfortunate need for these signs as we regularly see people ushering seals back out into the water.

"This can potentially be fatal in weaker seals and can also cause younger pups to be separated from their mothers."

Mr Goss said the group was "hopeful" the signs would result in people leaving the seals alone.

Advice if seals are spotted

Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue has the following advice on what to do if a seal is spotted resting on a beach:

  • Do not approach the seal and immediately place dogs on leads. Seals have a nasty bite if threatened.
  • Stay at least 328ft (100m) away - the same length as a full-size football pitch.
  • Keep quiet, seals are easily disturbed. If the seal has noticed you, you're likely too close or too loud.
  • Do not attempt to push the seal into the water. It is vital that they are left to rest.

People are advised to contact Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue, Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary, British Diver Marine Life Rescue or the RSPCA if they have any concerns.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "Seals in the wild are an incredible sight and it's heartening that people have such fondness for wildlife, but people must remember that these are wild animals.

"We share our beaches with seals and need to enjoy watching them from a respectful distance."

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