BUDE’S lifeboat crew has celebrated one of its members after he successfully responded to his first shout.

Since July 2024, Noah Lakeland has been working with the Bude RNLI lifeboat to qualify as a crew member, working to keep the area’s swimmers safe. In May, Noah passed his Tier 1 assessment; an important milestone in a crew member’s training journey, covering the core skills and knowledge needed to operate safely and effectively as part of the lifeboat crew.

Now, Noah has officially marked his first call out, after the team were thrust into action amid fears over the safety of those at Crackington Haven.

On Monday, June 29, the lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard following reports of a surfer who had last been seen near the rocks north of Crackington Haven.

A spokesperson from Bude RNLI explained: “Concerned members of the public had lost sight of the surfer, prompting a call to the Coastguard. Our volunteer crew launched to assess the situation from the water and, after making contact, confirmed the surfer was safe and simply enjoying the conditions.

“The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station, where she was made ready for service.”

After being stood down, the crew took the chance to congratulate Noah on the exciting milestone, completing his first ever shout as a member of the crew.

Speaking afterwards, Noah said: “I was just happy to go on a shout. It was definitely a bit of an adrenaline rush!”

The crew spokesperson continued: “Congratulations, Noah, on your first shout, and thank you to all of our volunteer crew who are always ready to answer the pager.

“Remember, if you ever think someone is in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. It’s always better to call early.”