A spokesman for the team was speaking after they had one of the busiest weeks of the year so far, with three call-outs in four days, which included one which was classed as a ‘false alarm with good intent.’ It happened when there were reports that a hang-glider had been blown out to sea in the strong offshore wind, over Kennedy’s Pass, toward Ailsa Craig.

Two crew members, Darren Horne and Callum Govus, were also put ashore on the island to search the derelict buildings just in case but found nothing.

Meanwhile, the people who had raised the alarm had been contacted and interviewed, and it was deemed that no-one had been injured or stranded during the incident last Sunday Ian McClymont of the Girvan team said: “It was concluded that no life was at risk and the initial call was a false alarm. The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to Girvan harbour.

“A false alarm with good intent is where someone sees something which they genuinely believe to be a problem and, quite correctly, reports it to the appropriate emergency service.

“This should never be discouraged. Who knows?...it might be genuine, and there might be life at risk — better safe than sorry.” In addition to the well-meaning call, the crew were deployed to help a 25ft yacht which had suffered engine failure while trying to sail into Girvan Harbour.

Darren Horne and John Tait boarded the stricken vessel and attached a line which allowed the lifeboat to tow it safely into harbour.

In the most dramatic rescue, an adult and child were rescued from a kayak which was having difficulty in reaching the shore near Lendalfoot, six miles south of Girvan.

Girvan and Ballantrae coastguard teams as well as a rescue helicopter were all mobilised and brought the kayak and its occupants, an adult and child, back to dry land.