Seal on the beach puts emergency services on alert: rescue operation in Łeba
On the evening of May 26th, rescue services in Łeba were placed on full alert following a report of a possible drowning between beach entrances no. 11 and 12.
In brief
A report of a possible drowning between beach entrances number 11 and 12 in Łeba on the evening of 26 May mobilised three crews of the Łeba Volunteer Fire Brigade, the R-10 rescue boat and an off-road vehicle with a crew from BSR SAR Łeba. The County Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Lębork, the Police and an Emergency Medical Team also took part in the operation. A check of the water and the beach showed that the alarm was false, and the cause of the report was a grey seal lounging on the shore. Rescuers appeal to the public to call 112 whenever a threat to life is suspected.
Three units from the Volunteer Fire Brigade in Łeba (OSP Łeba), the R-10 rescue boat, and a Land Rover with a BSR SAR Łeba crew were dispatched to the scene. The operation also involved a unit from the County Fire Brigade Headquarters (PSP) in Lębork, the Police, and the Emergency Medical Services.
After thoroughly checking the water and the adjacent beach, it turned out that the alarm was false – the cause for concern was a grey seal calmly resting on the shore.
Although no rescue action was required, the operation confirmed the full readiness and swift response of the services. Such reports are not uncommon on the Polish coast – sea rescuers remind the public that in cases of suspected danger to life, it is always worth reporting the situation, even if it later turns out to be harmless.
Marine animals, such as seals, are appearing more and more frequently on the beaches of Pomerania. If spotted, one should keep a safe distance and avoid scaring them or getting too close.
OSP Łeba and MSPiR appeal to tourists and residents to immediately contact the services at emergency number 112 in any potentially dangerous situation near the water. A professional intervention can save lives – and sometimes simply ensure the safety of both seals and people.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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