A young dolphin received a helping hand from some humans after becoming stranded on the shore at a Los Angeles County beach, officials said.
The rescue unfolded on Tuesday afternoon at Torrance Beach, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Lifeguard Division.
“Upon arrival, lifeguards assessed the situation and took immediate action to help stabilize the dolphin, keeping it hydrated, and ensure it was properly transferred to [Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles],” the agency said via social media.
Los Angeles County Fire Department lifeguards help rescue a stranded juvenile dolphin at Torrance Beach on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
What should I do if I see a stranded dolphin?
Dolphins and other marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions, can end up stranded on California beaches for a variety of reasons, including illness or disorientation, experts said. They can also be affected by toxic algal blooms recently plaguing SoCal sea lions.
“While it may be tempting to assist, it’s important to give these animals space and notify professionals,” according to the LACFD statement.
The Marine Mammal Care Center houses the only experts qualified to respond to incidents involving live marine mammals in Los Angeles County, representatives said.
Los Angeles County Fire Department lifeguards help rescue a stranded juvenile dolphin at Torrance Beach on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
“Although dolphins are prolific along the coastline of Los Angeles, encountering one on a beach – especially a live animal – is alarming,” according to the Marine Mammal Care Center website. “Dolphins spend their entire lives at sea and are not built to survive out of the water, so it’s important to call for help immediately.”
Anyone who spots a sick or stranded marine mammal is urged to contact the nearest lifeguard and report the sighting to the Marine Mammal Care Center at (800) 39-WHALE.
Similar organizations conduct marine mammal rescues in other areas up and down the California coastline, such as the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute in Ventura County. A listing of agencies in the state can be found on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Lifeguards help rescue stranded juvenile dolphin at SoCal beach