Crosshaven RNLI crewman answers his first call on first exercise
Friday 18 September 2026
It was an evening of firsts for Crosshaven RNLI on Friday, 18 September, when new crewman Jamie Backler took part in his first afloat exercise, only to find himself responding to his first callout at the same time.
The volunteer crew were in Crosshaven Harbour carrying out a training exercise when Valentia Coast Guard tasked the lifeboat to a report of a kite surfer believed to be in difficulty at Ringaskiddy.
James Fegan was in command, with Alex Barry, Conor Barry and Jamie Backler aboard.
The lifeboat immediately diverted from its exercise and proceeded towards the reported location. Thankfully, on arrival it was established that the kite surfer was not in difficulty and did not require assistance.
With the situation resolved, the lifeboat returned to Crosshaven Harbour and resumed its training exercise.
The call was subsequently deemed a false alarm with good intent. The concerned member of the public had done the right thing by raising the alarm after becoming concerned for the safety of another person.
Crosshaven RNLI would always encourage members of the public to contact the Coast Guard if they believe someone may be in trouble at sea or on the water. It is far better to raise the alarm and allow the Coast Guard and lifeboat crews to assess the situation than to delay a call for help.
For Jamie, what began as his first afloat exercise with Crosshaven RNLI quickly became a memorable introduction to life as a lifeboat crew member, his first shout coming before the exercise was even complete.
