KENT Police have warned jet skiers and people on pleasure boats that they will be prosecuted if they harm a dolphin in the Channel.

Dave the Dolphin, as he has become known, has been a tourist attraction since he made the coast off Folkestone his home almost a year ago. He can regularly be seen swimming between Seabrook and the harbour jetty.

Police received several reports of jet-skiers and people in other motorised vessels getting close to the dolphin over the Easter weekend.

Dolphins are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way act 2000) which makes it an offence to recklessly or intentionally harass a dolphin.

Police are asking the public to help protect Dave by reporting any behaviour that may harm Dave.

The Kent Police Marine Unit may also patrol that area of coast and will take action against anyone who is annoying Dave.

PC Andy Small, rural and environmental crime co-Ordinator said: “Dolphins are wild animals and should be treated with respect, so I would urge people not to get too close to him.

“Boats, jet skis and kayaks should keep a distance of about 100m from the dolphin and people must not approach, grab, touch or try and swim with him.” He added.

Anyone who notices Dave being harassed or annoyed is asked to report it to Kent Police on 01303 850055.

The police warning comes as the Kentish Express, part of the KM Group, launches a Save Dave campaign to protect the solitary dolphin.

One fear is that Dave is becoming humanised. The problem with this is that he is losing his fear of people and boats.

Dave could swim towards boats, rather than away from them, looking for human contact, but if he isn’t seen he could be injured.

Those concerned for his welfare want signs put up near the beaches to tell people how they should behave when near a dolphin. They will also include an emergency number to call if anyone sees Dave in trouble, or being harassed.

The Kentish Express is backing the idea and has pledged to fund one of the signs.

Last week the newspaper asked local businesses to give their support and Flippers Fish Bar, at Pennypot, Hythe, has come forward.

Paul Leonard, who runs the business, said: “You can see from the name of the shop there is an obvious connection and we would like to help.”

The Marine Animal Rescue Coalition, which includes the Whale and Dolphin Society and British Divers Marine Life Rescue, is talking with Shepway District Council about the signs and is hoping they will be approved.

Jason Carter, of BDMLR, said: “We want to put the signs in areas Dave has been spotted. We would hope to get them up within the next four weeks.”

The chairman of Shepway council, Terry Preston, supports the idea. He said: “Dave the dolphin is a great tourist attraction. We need to be concerned about his welfare and public education is needed.” The signs will cost about £50 each and will feature the sponsor’s logo.

If you would like to support one contact the Kentish Express newsdesk on 01303 851362.