Cleethorpes - Marine Life!

Cleethorpes is unique, not only for its beautiful views but also its wild visitors! Not only does Cleethorpes host Approximately 2500m of coastal salt marsh for unique migratory birds to rest, it is also a resting spot for Grey and Common Seals thanks to our close proximity to Donna Nook!

If you do spot a seal, first thing… KEEP BACK! - It’s not unusual to see seals on the coast and 9/10, they’ve simply come up to rest. - Do not push them back into the water (This can be fatal to some exhausted seals).

Any other marine life such as whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc will NOT use the beach to rest, if you see any of these stranded on the beach, use the contacts below ASAP!


There are a few things you can look for FROM A DISTANCE using binoculars OR zooming in from afar using a smart phone camera, these could include:

  • Witnessed animal attacks (DOG/FOX bites)

  • Visible blood

  • Entanglement (such as in fishing gear)

  • Signs of poor health, such as visible ribs, hips and baggy (wrinkled) skin

  • Sick, such as, coughing, sneezing, lack of response to external disturbance.

Remember: Keep back, place dogs on leads, make other dog walkers in the area aware BUT DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA (causing an influx of visitors to the area), Report any concerns to us, BDMLR or Beach Safety (NELC)

Contact Numbers:

Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue - 01472 472217 (Select the option for marine life)

British Divers Marine Life Rescue: 01825 765546 (24 Hours)

Cleethorpes Beach Safety: 01472323356

Providing a location:

Searching for one injured seal on miles of coastal terrain is a very difficult task for volunteers, thankfully there is a free app called What3Words, which is suitable for most smart phone devices. This app will allow you to give us a precise location and get the seal help sooner. This app is used by almost all UK emergency services and is fantastic, not only for us, but if you need emergency service help in remote (or hard to describe) locations too!