Volunteers at Oban lifeboat station attended their first shout in almost seven weeks on Sunday.
It was the first time the crew had been required to put into action the new protocols demanded by the coronavirus pandemic.
The incident on Sunday evening required the crew’s attention to assist a kayak which had been reported as drifting in the Craobh Haven area.
Crew members gathered at the station in Oban before launching the Mora Edith MacDonald lifeboat at about 6.30pm.
Communications received from the coastguard soon revealed the call was a false alarm with good intent.
Oban lifeboat stood down and returned to base, ready for action, by 8pm.
Operations Manager Billy Forteith said: “This was Oban RNLI’s first call out since restrictions were introduced nearly seven weeks ago and that is testimony to those who have adhered to the guidelines put in place by the government.
“As one of the busiest lifeboats in Scotland, we would normally have launched between 10 and 15 times so far in the calendar year but, at present, we have launched just five times in 2020.
“As with this incident, we urge anyone who sees anyone in difficulty, to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
“Our numbers may have reduced, as has our fundraising activity, but our readiness to launch has not.
“Oban RNLI, like other lifeboats around the country, remains ready to launch should they be required.”