Ever wondered what it's like to get close to a whale, or help save a life? Well now's your chance to find out.

While you're warming up for summer and getting ready to hit the beach, Project Jonah is gearing up for their busiest time of year. For this animal welfare charity, summer marks the start of the peak stranding season.

A pod of 70 whales were stranded in Ohiwa Harbour last year. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Historically, New Zealand sees more strandings of live whales and dolphins than any other country in the world.

These events occur every year, and while some animals are sick or injured, others are healthy and just need a helping hand back out to sea. That's where Project Jonah comes in.

'Saving whales isn't as easy as it looks,” says Project Jonah General Manager, Daren Grover. ”A stranding site is a dangerous place and people can sometimes make mistakes.

'It's important that people understand the complexity of strandings, why they happen, and what they can do to help.”

Project Jonah is always on standby, ready to respond anywhere, at any time. However, they can't respond without the help of trained volunteers across the country.

The organisation has a national network of volunteer Marine Mammal Medics, but they still need more, and that's where you can help.

Their Marine Mammal Medic course is a one-day training programme where participants can learn new skills to help save lives and make a difference.

Training sessions are happening across the country this summer, details of which can be found at: www.projectjonah.org.nz or by calling: 09 302 3106.

Now over 40-years-old, Project Jonah exists largely thanks to the generosity of members of the public and small businesses.

'We wouldn't survive without the kindness of the New Zealand public,” says Daren.

'By simply giving up the cost of one cup of coffee a week and supporting us on a regular basis or making a one off donation, you can help Project Jonah continue our lifesaving work this summer.”