So ~ you want to swim with dolphins?

Read why The Marine Connection believe that dolphin swim programmes in Sharm el Sheikh and other holiday destinations are not only wrong for the animals, they pose a threat to human participants as well.

A brief list of various injuries sustained during "dolphin swim/interaction" programmes in the USA, (most injuries remain unreported by SWD facilities)
(source: Ric O'Barry)

Marineland, Canada (2000)
Bite to hand inflicted on marine park visitor by beluga whale

Sarasota, Florida (1999)
Deep wound to hand of French tourist who tried to pet dolphin in Intracoastal waterway

Theater of the Sea (1999)
Swimmer hit in face with dolphin fluke, causing bruise on cheek and cut on lip

Theater of the Sea (1994)
Small bruise inflicted on throat area of swimmer during contact with dolphin

Dolphin Quest (1993)
Scratches sustained to swimmer's foot during interaction with dolphin

Dolphin Quest (1993)
Bruise inflicted on thigh of swimmer during interaction with dolphin

Dolphin Quest (1993)
Tooth rake inflicted on swimmer by dolphin

Theater of the Sea (1992)
Injury to sternum inflicted on swimmer during interaction with dolphin

Dolphins Plus, Inc. (1992)
Broken face mask, facial lacerations and bruised nose inflicted on swimmer interacting with dolphin

Dolphin Plus, Inc. (1992)
Broken face mask, laceration and bruising to the face inflicted on swimmer interacting with dolphin

Dolphin Quest (1992)
Abrasions inflicted on swimmer's leg during interaction with dolphin

Dolphin Research Center (1990)
Two swimmers injured while interacting with dolphin; one suffered broken arm, the other a fractured rib

Dolphin Quest (1990)
Skin abrasions inflicted on swimmer's leg

Dolphins Plus, Inc. (1990)
Swimmer struck by dorsal fin of dolphin during interaction causing bruising to swimmer's ribs

Theater of the Sea (1990)
Swimmer struck face on raft in pulling away from approaching dolphin