Porpoise First Aid: What to Do When You Find a Stranded Bruinvis
Finding a live porpoise on the beach can be unsettling—and every minute matters. This Porpoise First Aid guide gives you clear, proven steps to help a stranded bruinvis safely until experts arrive. You’ll learn exactly what to do, what not to do, why quick action matters, and who to call on Texel and beyond.
Quick answer: the 5 essential steps
If you discover a live porpoise (bruinvis) on the beach, take these actions immediately:
- Do not push it back into the sea. This won’t help the animal and can make things worse.
- Protect the blowhole. A porpoise breathes through the blowhole on top of its head—keep water and sand out at all times.
- Create calm. Walk quietly, keep people at a distance, and keep dogs away.
- Prevent overheating. Gently cool the porpoise with water and wet cloths and provide shade. Do not let water enter the blowhole.
- Call for specialist help and stay with the animal until the dolphin ambulance arrives:
- SOS Dolfijn (emergency): 0031 (0)6-65098576
- On Texel: Ecomare: 0031 (0)222-317741
For a full checklist and related guidance, see Porpoise, seal or bird needing help:
- https://www.ecomare.nl/en/porpoise-or-seal-needing-help/
Who to call (and why)
| Situation | Who to call | Phone number |
|---|---|---|
| Live porpoise (bruinvis) anywhere in the Netherlands | SOS Dolfijn (specialized in caring for porpoises and dolphins) | 0031 (0)6-65098576 |
| Live porpoise on Texel | Ecomare | 0031 (0)222-317741 |
Why call specialists: Handling and treatment of stranded porpoises require expert assessment and care. SOS Dolfijn is specialized in porpoise and dolphin rescue and will determine the best course of action. On Texel, Ecomare can coordinate and support until transfer to specialist care.
Why immediate action matters
When a porpoise or dolphin ends up alive on the beach, there is almost always an underlying problem—such as injury, illness, or exhaustion. Strong winds and other conditions can also play a role. Because the animal has stranded, putting it straight back into the sea is not a good option; it likely won’t cope and may restrand.
Time is critical because:
- Porpoises overheat quickly on land. Their bodies are adapted for water, and out of it, they can’t regulate heat effectively. Rapid, gentle cooling and shade are vital.
- Stress can worsen the animal’s condition. Porpoises are easily startled. Quiet surroundings help stabilize breathing and reduce panic.
- Blowhole safety is non-negotiable. A porpoise breathes through its blowhole. Water or sand entering it can cause severe complications. Keep that opening completely clear while cooling the rest of the body.
Step-by-step Porpoise First Aid (expanded)
Follow these steps while waiting for professional responders:
Secure the scene
- Ask bystanders to step back and give the animal space.
- Keep dogs well away.
- Speak softly and minimize sudden movements.
Position and protect the blowhole
- Locate the blowhole on top of the head.
- Ensure no water, sand, or fabric obstructs it.
Cool and shade without soaking the blowhole
- Use clean seawater to wet the body and place wet cloths on the skin to prevent overheating.
- Provide shade with a jacket, umbrella, or beach shelter—but keep air flowing and the blowhole uncovered.
Avoid unnecessary handling
- Do not drag, lift by fins, or attempt to move the animal into the surf.
- Keep the porpoise as still and comfortable as possible.
Call specialists and stay until help arrives
- SOS Dolfijn: 0031 (0)6-65098576.
- On Texel, also call Ecomare: 0031 (0)222-317741.
- Remain with the porpoise, continue gentle cooling and shading, and maintain a calm perimeter.
What not to do (common mistakes to avoid)
- Don’t push the porpoise back into the sea. It won’t solve the problem and can endanger the animal.
- Don’t cover or flood the blowhole. Keep it clear and dry at all times.
- Don’t crowd or make noise. Create a quiet zone; keep people and dogs away.
- Don’t attempt DIY transport or treatment. Wait for trained responders with appropriate equipment.
- Don’t feed the animal. Unfamiliar food or objects can cause harm.
Understanding the bruinvis: quick facts that inform first aid
- Porpoises are the smallest toothed whales in the North Sea. Their compact size can make them seem manageable, but expert care is still essential.
- They are common in Dutch waters. There are tens of thousands in the Dutch part of the North Sea, and live strandings do occur.
- Seasonal sightings vary. More porpoises are seen in March than in summer and autumn; you have the best chance of spotting them in winter and early spring.
These facts explain why the public occasionally encounters porpoises close to shore—and why a calm, informed response is so important when one strands.
Practical takeaways you can apply today
Save these numbers in your phone before heading to the beach:
- SOS Dolfijn: 0031 (0)6-65098576
- Ecomare (Texel): 0031 (0)222-317741
Pack a simple beach first-aid kit for wildlife encounters: a few clean cloths or towels for cooling, a foldable umbrella for shade, and a note with emergency numbers.
Practice the one rule you must never forget: Do not push a stranded porpoise back into the sea.
Use this 30-second mental checklist: Blowhole clear? Body shaded and damp (not the blowhole)? Area calm and secure? Specialists called? Staying until help arrives?
Share this guide with friends and family who visit the coast so everyone knows what to do.
Frequently asked questions about stranded porpoises
Can I push a stranded porpoise back into the sea?
No. Don’t push it back. A live porpoise on the beach needs help from specialists. Pushing it into the water won’t help and can be dangerous for the animal.
How do porpoises breathe?
Porpoises breathe through a blowhole on top of the head. Keep it clear of water, sand, or cloths while cooling the rest of the body.
Should I keep the porpoise wet?
Yes—gently. Cool the animal with water and wet cloths and provide shade, but do not let water enter the blowhole.
How can I reduce stress for the animal?
Maintain quiet. Walk slowly, keep people well back, and keep dogs away. Avoid loud noises and crowds.
Who should I call and when can I leave?
Call SOS Dolfijn (0031 (0)6-65098576). On Texel, call Ecomare (0031 (0)222-317741). Stay with the animal and continue first aid until the dolphin ambulance or responders arrive.
Learn more and get involved
For step-by-step guidance across species, see: Porpoise, seal or bird needing help
- https://www.ecomare.nl/en/porpoise-or-seal-needing-help/
Want to understand whales and dolphins better? Visit our Whale Hall exhibition and walk among the skeletons of whales and dolphins that stranded near Texel:
- https://www.ecomare.nl/en/discover-ecomare-on-texel/expositions/whale-hall/
Help us care for young and sick seals and seabirds by supporting our sanctuary:
- Support Ecomare: https://www.ecomare.nl/en/support-ecomare/
Conclusion
When it comes to Porpoise First Aid, a calm, informed response can make the vital difference. Remember the essentials: don’t push it back, protect the blowhole, keep the area quiet, cool and shade the body, and call specialists—SOS Dolfijn on 0031 (0)6-65098576, and on Texel, Ecomare on 0031 (0)222-317741. Stay with the animal until help arrives.
If you live on or visit Texel, bookmark this guide, save the numbers, and share the checklist. To deepen your knowledge and support marine wildlife care, explore our Whale Hall and consider supporting Ecomare today.