Whale Games Cause Worry
A new game, sweeping the cetacean world, is causing growing concern amongst wildlife groups. ‘Extreme beaching’ has started to become popular in parts of North America, Canada and New Zealand, with other countries starting to follow suit.
The sport sees whales racing at top speeds of up to 35 knots towards the beach and hurling themselves onto the sand to get the furthest up the tide mark as possible.
Although many whales make it back to the sea unscathed, a growing number are getting stuck, requiring the assistance of animal rescue groups; organisations whose resources are already over-stretched. In some instances, whales have died after being unable to get help in time.
John Farley, from the Whale Protection League said, “It’s becoming an issue for our group now, by acting as though they are completely invulnerable many young whales are getting into serious difficulties. We just don’t have time to rescue all of them”.
Although the whereabouts of each beaching episode can not be predicted, certain beaches have become more popular due of their gently sloping sea-beds. Local surfers have found themselves ousted from their regular haunts. Local surf champ Brad Harlson commented, “We can't really ride the waves when there’s a six-metre whale coming up behind you, dude”.
According to sources, the second Baywatch movie has already been postponed while Venice Beach is monitored for whale action.
The sport sees whales racing at top speeds of up to 35 knots towards the beach and hurling themselves onto the sand to get the furthest up the tide mark as possible.
Although many whales make it back to the sea unscathed, a growing number are getting stuck, requiring the assistance of animal rescue groups; organisations whose resources are already over-stretched. In some instances, whales have died after being unable to get help in time.
John Farley, from the Whale Protection League said, “It’s becoming an issue for our group now, by acting as though they are completely invulnerable many young whales are getting into serious difficulties. We just don’t have time to rescue all of them”. Although the whereabouts of each beaching episode can not be predicted, certain beaches have become more popular due of their gently sloping sea-beds. Local surfers have found themselves ousted from their regular haunts. Local surf champ Brad Harlson commented, “We can't really ride the waves when there’s a six-metre whale coming up behind you, dude”.
According to sources, the second Baywatch movie has already been postponed while Venice Beach is monitored for whale action.
 Rescuers from the Whale Protection League try to help a group of inexperienced Extreme Beachers.
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