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Quick fin-king police came to the rescue of a dolphin stranded in Port Phillip Bay earlier this year after it was seen beached in shallow water.

The Water Police Squad arrived at Greenwich Reserve in Williamstown just after 4pm on 7 February, following a request for police assistance lodged by marine animal experts from Melbourne Zoo.

Two inflatable rescue boats carrying four officers were deployed from the beach and a sling was made to tow the dolphin into deeper water. A fifth police member was stationed on shore to watch over the rescue effort.

Animal experts assessed the marooned mammal before its successful release, deeming it healthy and fit to swim.

Police on the scene were even heard telling the rescue team that this was the first slippery customer they were pleased to see get away.