14.08.2007

A job with porpoise

The Port of London Authority has bought new kit for its insurance manager……….dive gear.

Glenda Frost has been given nearly £700-worth of specialist equipment so she can rescue stranded whales, dolphins and seals.  The gear – including a drysuit and lifejacket - will help Glenda's voluntary work as a medic with British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

PLA chief executive Richard Everitt said:

"It's pretty unusual kit for an insurance manager to carry, but Glenda's voluntary work really does pay dividends for the Port and the wider Kent coastline."

Glenda first considered joining BDMLR when the charity and PLA tried to save the Thames whale last year.

She said: "I think that's when it first occurred to me that I could do more than just provide financial support to charity, that I could get involved in the actual work they do – be in the front line."

BDMLR trains volunteers in basic whale, dolphin and seal rescue techniques. It teaches them how to spot common signs of trauma, and uses life-size training models to demonstrate how stranded and injured animals should be handled and treated.  Once trained, volunteers are asked if and when they'd be prepared to respond to incidents.

"Getting stranded whales and dolphins back into the water might not be in your average insurance manager's job specification, but caring for the environment is central to the PLA's day to day business," Richard added.

More information from: Martin Garside, Port of London Authority, Tel: 01474 562366. (Email)

Notes to Editors:

• the Port of London Authority (PLA) is responsible for safety and related matters on 150km (95 miles) of the tidal Thames from the sea and through London to Teddington
• for more information about British Divers Marine Life Rescue go to www.bdmlr.org.uk (opens in a new window)
• a photo of Glenda Frost is available on request from Martin Garside, PLA. Tel: 01474 562366. (Email)