This article is from page 43 of the 2013-12-31 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 43 JPG
DESPITE repeated warnings, a second person was hospitalised after being injured Dusty the Dolphin.
Local organisations and Clare County Council have told people not to swim with the dolphin who had taken up residence at Doolin pier.
Clare County Council lifeguards stationed at Doolin Pier had taken to raising the red flag, which indicated it is not safe to swim when Dusty is in the area.
Despite this people continued to swim close to the dolphin with re- ports of people covering Dusty’s blowhole and pulling her fins.
The latest took place when a female swimmer was charged as she left the water after a swim.
The dolphin is believed to have struck the woman in the kidney, knocking her over and leaving her winded.
The woman received treatment at the scene by the Doolin Unit of Irish Coast Guard and was taken by ambulance to the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick for treatment.
Her injuries were described as not serious but she was badly bruised and shocked by the incident.
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group put up posters in the area recommending that people not swim with Dusty.
The posters were distributed to premises in Doolin while additional posters were placed on the Doolin ferries.
“IWDG acknowledges that many people have had a fantastic encounter with Dusty and have built up a person relationship with the dolphin. However IWDG is very concerned that any visitors, especially in the summer, do not recognise the signals Dusty sends out when she is not happy with behaviour,” a spokesperson said.
“Ignoring such signs or behaving inappropriately had led on a number of occasions to aggressive interactions with some people being severely injured. If this continues it may lead to a fatality and then there will be strong pressure to remove or destroy the Dolphin.
“If you really are concerned about Dusty you will not swim with her or at least if you do, you will show her the respect a wild dolphin is entitled to.”