Marine charities and authorities have urged swimmers and boaters in Lyme Bay, Dorset, to keep their distance from a solitary bottlenose dolphin nicknamed Reggie, after several risky encounters in recent weeks.
The young male, weighing roughly 1,000lb (453kg), has become well known for interacting with people in the water. Though not aggressive, he has been described as boisterous and playful, with concerning incidents including pushing swimmers underwater. Two were rescued by kayakers after close calls.
Liz Sandeman, co-founder of Marine Connection, explained:
- Reggie is not fully grown yet and will get bigger and stronger in the coming months.
- His playful behaviour can inadvertently cause harm, as dolphins often dunk each other as part of social play.
- The more humans enter the water near him, the more excitable and unpredictable he becomes.
She advised swimmers to avoid the area entirely or at least move farther along the coast.
Risks of Solitary Dolphins
Most dolphins live in pods, but some become solitary for unclear reasons. These animals often grow accustomed to human contact, creating hazards for both themselves and people.
In a reminder of the risks, another solitary dolphin, nicknamed Danny, became a local favourite off Portland in 2018 but was killed by a vessel in 2020.
Official Guidelines
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has reinforced safety rules:
- Swimmers should remain at least 100m (328ft) away from dolphins.
- Dolphins, whales, and porpoises are legally protected species.
- Boaters should slow down to under six knots if Reggie appears nearby.
For now, Reggie remains an attraction — but experts stress that admiration should be from a safe distance.
