Local Lifeguard: Balloons Ruining Rhode Island Beaches

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — A local lifeguard is issuing a plea to Rhode Islanders: stop releasing balloons during celebrations. Olivia Kelly, a South Kingstown lifeguard, said on Sunday that she and her coworkers collected more than two dozen balloons from the beach and water in just one day.

"I'm always on the lookout for trash and anything that might be sharp for someone to step on, but I've never seen anything like [Sunday]," Kelly said. "There were so many balloons blowing in, most likely because of the direction of the wind."

Over the course of the day, the 18-year-old lifeguard and her coworkers collected 25 balloons from graduations, gender reveal parties, baby showers and more on Green Hill Beach in South Kingstown.

"I was really upset by how many different balloons we found, clearly they were from a bunch of different parties," Kelly said. "We're right next to the Trustom pond reservation, so I'm worried about all of those animals."

Kelly said she hopes Rhode Islanders will be more aware when they buy balloons, thinking twice before intentionally releasing them or simply displaying them outside.

"Most of the time, I think it's just an oversight, people don't always buy balloons with the intention of letting them go," Kelly said. "This is a social issue, people need to know how much their actions can impact the environment and wildlife."

Earlier this year, East Bay Representative Susan Donovan introduced a bill to ban intentional bill releases in Rhode Island. The bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it was ordered held for further study in April.

"I think the bill is a great idea, even going one step further to no balloons, period," Kelly said, adding that while people love balloons, they just aren't worth the environmental impact. Several island communities, including Block Island and Nantucket, have completely banned the sale of helium balloons to address the growing issue.

"The worst part was having to run over and scare away a seagull that was about to eat a balloon," Kelly continued. "They don't know any better. They think it's food and after they eat it they either starve or suffocate."

Kelly, a recent high school graduate and soon-to-be University of Rhode Island Pharmacy student, said she is shocked at the positive response from the community. After posting photos on South Kingstown's community Facebook group, nearly 150 people commented, thanking her for her part in cleaning up the beach and raising awareness.

"I can't believe how many people responded," Kelly said. "This is something we need to address now and it's something that affects everyone."