Tunbridge Wells Sub-Aqua club have close links with British Divers Marine Life Rescue, actively supporting their work. Several of TWSAC's members are also trained as marine mammal medics or medic instructors.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue was formed in 1988, when a few like minded divers got together in response to the mass mortality of Harbour seals in the Wash area of East Anglia, to do what they could for the rescue effort.
 
From these early beginnings, they gained further knowledge of marine wildlife and acquired valuable training in rescue techniques. BDMLR now provide a committed 24 hour marine animal rescue service. BDMLR teams are on standby to respond immediately to any marine disaster or marine mammal stranding anywhere in the UK.

Thirteen Marine Animal Rescue Ambulances are sited throughout the UK ready to be sent to an incident. There are also four Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) which can be on site anywhere in the UK within 24hrs.

BDMLR hit the headlines in early 2006 with their highest profile rescue to date – the infamous Thames Whale. Although the result was extremely sad and disappointing, the positive outcome is the raising of awareness of the vast range of seals, whales and dolphins that populate the UK waters.
 
  BDMLR are proud to be an entirely voluntary organisation.
 There is always the need for more Marine Mammal Medics to join their rescue teams throughout the U.K. to continue the vital  first response. To find out more about becoming a Medic, click the training link on the BDMLR web site.  Importantly, you do not have to be a diver.

Of course, you may not want to be so `hands on` but still wish to help and be involved. Becoming a member of BDMLR is another vital role, where many of our teams need support in other areas, fund-raising, social events etc. To find out more about becoming a member click the membership link on the BDMLR web page.