Cetaceans and seals strand on beaches for various reasons, and the welfare of stranded animals requires coordinated expert responses to minimise suffering.
Stranded cetaceans are often critically ill and experience stress from heat, dehydration, and handling by well-meaning but untrained members of the public. Keeping animals wet and cool while awaiting experts, preventing crowds from surrounding them, and calling specialist organisations immediately are the most important welfare interventions by bystanders. Inappropriate refloating attempts can worsen outcomes.