The whale in question looked a little worse for wear and seemed to have consumed a large amount of plastic, which is apparently an occupational hazard for whales these days.

Stranded on the shore of Wallagoot Lake, an unusual event given the lake has been closed to the sea for about 13 years, the whale was lucky that the students just happened to be nearby learning basic whale rescue techniques with Bournda Environmental Education Centre staff member Manda Hensman.

Equipped with gear from the National Parks and Wildlife Service Marine Mammal Rescue Trailer, the students swung into action to render vital assistance.

The students named the whale Cletus, possibly after a character from the Simpsons, and were satisfied that they had done everything possible to save him.

The whale rescue was part of a day focusing on whales and coastal geography, run jointly with Bournda EEC staff and Bega HS Geography teachers, with support from NPWS Merimbula.