A SEAL pup left "high and dry" was given a helping hand on its way back to sea.

The pup was spied resting on Rhyl Lifeboat's slipway on Tuesday (September 12), shortly before 1pm.

Callum Robinson, Rhyl Lifeboat Crew, said: "It was during high tide it arrived, it must have been about 12.30pm/1pm. I came down about 3pm. We reckon the seal had gone up there for a rest, then the tide went out.

"A member of the SeaQuarium Rhyl came over. She was on duty and came to check the pup, but then had to go back. 

Rhyl Journal:

The seal was scooped up in a blanket and taken to the water. Picture: Callum Robinson 

"There was another member of staff who was off duty. He stayed with the seal for about two hours until we felt it was ready to be helped back to the sea. 

"What we were most worried about was a dog getting to it, so he made sure no one got too close.

"We consulted with a lady who was from a wildlife or sea life centre place near Wrexham.

"It then started to try and waddle back. Simon Jones, from Pro Kitesurfing School - North Wales, used a blanket to scoop the seal up and carried it down to the sea.

"It shot into the water. This was about 4pm.

"It was a happy ending."

An RSPCA Cymru spokesperson said: "It's always fantastic to hear of any rescue workers eagerly looking to help Wales' wildlife.

"Seal pups can become separated from their mothers, and often they may need help. The RSPCA advises that if a seal pup is seen alone, and looks fit and healthy, they should be monitored from afar from a safe distance for 24 hours.

"If the mother does not return within 24 hours, or someone thinks that the pup is sick or injured, or the seal pup is on a busy public beach, we urge people to contact the RSPCA's 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999 as soon as possible.

"We do not recommend putting seal pups straight back into the sea, as they may come into difficulty, particularly young grey seals who are not born able to swim, like common seals.

"Seals can also give a nasty bite, and infections are possible from the bacteria living in the mouth of a seal.”