On a sunny Thursday in Lyme Bay, Dorset, what began as a day of summer fun quickly turned into a dramatic rescue that has left locals and experts alike re-examining their relationship with one of the area’s most charismatic—but unpredictable—marine visitors. Brothers Rhys and Gareth Paterson were kayaking off the coast when they found themselves at the center of two startling incidents involving a solitary bottlenose dolphin, known to residents as Reggie.
Reggie, who first made his appearance in Lyme Bay earlier in 2025, has become something of a local celebrity. His playful leaps and close encounters with swimmers and kayakers have delighted many, drawing crowds of both residents and tourists to the shoreline. But on August 21, 2025, the dolphin’s antics crossed a dangerous line. According to BBC News, the Paterson brothers witnessed Reggie jump onto the back of a swimmer about 200 meters (656 feet) from shore, forcing her head underwater. Rhys described the scene: “She was kind of gasping for air. She was terrified.”
The brothers acted swiftly, paddling over to help the distressed woman. After bringing her safely back to shore, they returned to the water, only to witness a second, nearly identical incident. This time, another woman, clutching a yellow buoy and clearly panicked, became the dolphin’s focus. Once again, the brothers intervened, rescuing her from what could have been a far more serious situation.
Reflecting on the day, Rhys Paterson told the BBC, “I think it’s only a matter of time before the dolphin gets hurt or someone gets seriously hurt. It is a wild animal, as exciting as it is. I think it’s up to everyone now to start respecting its space a little bit more. If we weren’t there that day I think something bad could have potentially happened.”
The incidents have sparked a wave of concern among marine experts and local authorities. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has reiterated warnings that dolphins are “unpredictable wild animals” and has advised swimmers to keep at least 100 meters (328 feet) away from them. The MMO also reminded the public that dolphins, whales, and porpoises are protected by law. For boaters, the advice is equally clear: if Reggie is spotted, slow down and keep speeds below six knots to avoid further distress or injury to the animal.
Reggie’s story is both fascinating and cautionary. Unlike most bottlenose dolphins, which are highly social and live in pods, Reggie is a solitary individual. According to the charity Marine Connection, the reasons for such solitary behavior are not entirely understood, but it can lead to complications. When dolphins become accustomed to human interaction, they may lose their natural wariness, resulting in more frequent—and sometimes dangerous—encounters.
Liz Sandeman, co-founder of Marine Connection, offered insight into Reggie’s recent behavior. She emphasized that the dolphin “definitely wasn’t being aggressive,” but described him as “playful” and “boisterous,” noting, “He did not understand the damage he could do with his 1,000lb (453kg) weight.” Sandeman explained, “The more people that enter the water, the more he’ll become playful and boisterous. I’ve seen dolphins doing this before towards swimmers, where they’ll dunk them under the water.”
Sandeman’s advice to locals and visitors is direct: avoid the area of water where Reggie has been spotted. “I think if they move even a quarter of the mile down the coast, that would help,” she said. Reggie, she added, is not yet fully grown and will become even larger and more powerful in the coming months, increasing the risk of harm to both himself and humans who get too close.
Reggie’s experience is not unique. In 2018, another solitary male bottlenose dolphin named Danny became a well-known figure in Portland, Dorset. Like Reggie, Danny frequently interacted with boats and divers. Tragically, Danny’s story ended in 2020 when he was killed by a vessel. This precedent weighs heavily on those concerned for Reggie’s well-being, highlighting the dangers that increased human interaction can pose to solitary dolphins.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Reggie has already suffered injuries, likely from a boat propeller, as reported by BBC News. Experts believe this underscores the importance of respecting the animal’s space and following guidelines designed to protect both people and marine life.
The growing popularity of Reggie’s appearances has, perhaps unintentionally, created a dilemma for the community. On one hand, his presence offers a unique opportunity for people to witness the beauty and intelligence of dolphins up close. On the other, it brings to light the unpredictable nature of wild animals and the potential dangers of becoming too familiar with them. The excitement of seeing a dolphin so near the shore can quickly give way to peril when boundaries are not respected.
Authorities and conservationists are now working to balance public interest with safety and conservation. The MMO’s guidance is clear: keep your distance, whether you’re swimming, kayaking, or boating. The organization’s advice is echoed by Marine Connection, which urges people to avoid areas where Reggie is known to frequent. As Sandeman put it, “He’s not adult yet, so over the coming months he will get bigger, he will become more powerful.”
The broader lesson, it seems, is that while the allure of interacting with wild dolphins is strong, such encounters must be approached with caution and respect. The law protects these creatures for a reason, and the tragic fate of Danny serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when those protections are ignored.
For now, Reggie remains a fixture in Lyme Bay, his playful antics both a source of joy and a cause for concern. As the summer draws on and more people flock to the water, the hope among locals, experts, and conservationists is that increased awareness will lead to safer, more respectful interactions—for the sake of both humans and the remarkable dolphin who has captured their hearts.
Ultimately, the events in Lyme Bay serve as a vivid reminder: wild animals, no matter how friendly they appear, deserve our respect and distance. The safety of both people and dolphins depends on it.
