Lifeboat volunteers in Largs are urging the public to stop setting off flares irresponsibly after crews were scrambled twice in a single day to what turned out to be hoax incidents.
The Largs RNLI team was dispatched on both occasions following reports of distress flares in the area, only to find no vessel in trouble and no sign of any genuine emergency. The back-to-back callouts have frustrated the volunteer crew, who give up their own time to respond to emergencies and put themselves at risk doing so.
Distress flares are designed for one purpose only, to signal that someone is in serious danger at sea. When they go off without a genuine emergency behind them, the consequences can be serious. Lifeboat crews drop everything and head out onto the water, often in difficult conditions, chasing a call that turns out to be nothing. That is time and resource pulled away from anyone who might actually need help.
The Largs crew has been clear in its message following the incidents. Flares should never be set off as a joke, out of curiosity, or because someone wants to see what happens. If you find old or out-of-date flares, the correct move is to dispose of them properly through official channels, not to fire them off on a beach or near the water.
For anyone who genuinely spots a distress flare or believes someone is in trouble at sea, the right number to call is 999 and ask for the Coastguard. That system works when it is used properly, but hoax calls and irresponsible flare use puts real strain on it.
The RNLI crews operating out of Largs are all volunteers. They train regularly and respond at all hours, in all weather, without pay. Every unnecessary callout is a drain on that goodwill and on the resources that keep the service running.
Authorities have not confirmed whether anyone has been identified in connection with the hoax incidents, but misuse of distress signals is a criminal offence and can result in prosecution. The cost of a full search and rescue operation can run into thousands of pounds, and those who trigger one without cause can be held liable.
The warning from Largs RNLI is simple. Distress flares save lives when used correctly. Used carelessly or as a prank, they do the opposite by tying up the very people whose job it is to save you.