False Alarm (2003)

False Alarm is a magazine story.

Plot
Today was a special day for Duck. He was taking the Mayor to open a brand new lifeboat station close to the pier. The lifeboat crew stood to attention as the Mayor unveiled a shiny nameplate on the side of the building. He also thanked Duck for his hard work, too. Duck felt like a Really Useful Engine as everyone cheered and clapped him! Shortly, Duck set off back along the coastal branch line where he saw two people who were on lookout duty on the beach. His driver explained that they are lifeguards who keep an eye on the bathers to make sure they stay out of trouble. A moment later, Duck heard Harold overhead. Harold is off on patrol. Duck thinks it must be exciting to rescue someone!

Later, as Duck puffs along the cliff top, he sees what appears to be a head bobbing about in the rough water below. Duck raises the alarm by whistling as loud as he can to get Harold's attention. Luckily the helicopter hears and he meets Duck at a signal. Duck tells Harold what he saw. Harold immediately checks the water, but he can't see anything. They decide it's better to be safe than sorry and the pilot soon radios through to the lifeboat station where the lifeboat is launched into action. Soon, Harold, the lifeboat, and Duck were all peering closely at the rocks, when suddenly, Duck cries out! It turns out that the swimmer in need is actually a seal. Duck felt very silly but the lifeboat's crew don't mind - it was good practice for them!

Characters

 * Duck
 * Harold
 * The Mayor of Sodor