Join the Campaign to Ban Flying Rings

This is a national campaign that is gathering momentum, to help all marine mammals. Also read our post on how to help England’s wild seals.

Playing frisbee at the beach may seem like harmless fun, but Seal Alliance and British Divers Marine Life Rescue have now got together to launch petition to ban flying rings. If passed, the UK would become the first nation to do so. It’s also good to avoid flying kites, for the same reasons.

Thousands of flying rings are bought and discarded/lost at sea or beaches each year. The aftermath is that curious seals get them stuck around their necks on land or at sea (they start playing with them). One  seal was found almost decapitated, but thankfully was rescued and survived.

It’s best to avoid playing with beach toys near seals anyway. If you use them, avoid ones with hollow centre, as these easily trap around seal necks. And choose biodegradable ones, in case they could lost at sea.

Download this guide on seeking support for the campaign from local shops (with a downloadable window sticker). There is also a guide for councils (includes a document to send to councillors).

Neath Port (Wales) has become one of the first councils to ban the sale and use of flying rings near and on their beaches. More power to you! Let’s hope others follow.

You can read the story of the woman who helped to rescue a seal trapped in a plastic ring that started the campaign in her book, Sailing for Seals.

The public support we’ve received for our campaign, clearly indicates that these flying rings need to be removed from sale, at shops across the country.

Many shopkeepers are unaware of the pain and suffering they cause. They will not lose profits by selling solid disc frisbees and will certainly receive support from local communities. Gareth Richards (Seal Alliance)