PARTY-GOERS setting off lanterns or fireworks near the sea are being urged to warn the coastguard after crews were called to two false alarms.

The search and rescue team from Watchet were called at around 7.30pm on Thursday to help Minehead’s two lifeboats search the shoreline for anyone in distress after reports of two red flares.

The weather conditions were slightly misty and the search was called off after an hour when teams were certain there was no danger.

On Saturday a 999 call reporting possible flares near Watchet was received at around 11.15pm.

Luckily coastguard officer Simon Bale, who was driving past the area, identified the lights as Chinese Lanterns, being launched from a garden in the town.

He said: “There were about 14 launched in total and they were mistaken for flares over the water and had they been investigated may have involved the launch of both lifeboats, the callout of the coastguard teams and the use of a search and rescue helicopter.

“This could have been an expensive and dangerous search, as whenever the rescue services launch onto the water or on the shoreline there is an element of danger, and of course the cost to the RNLI as a charity and to the taxpayer for the services of the coastguard teams and helicopters.

“People living near the coast are reminded that if they are going to light fires on the beach or launch fireworks or in this case Chinese lanterns they should consider notifying the coastguard with times and dates they are planning them to prevent unnecessary call outs and the diversion of rescue services from real rescues.”

* Chinese Lanterns have been causing a stir across the district with several mistaken as Unidentified Flying Objects in Taunton.