The crew at Hunstanton RNLI were paged just before 5.45pm after reports the device - which alerts emergency services to a person in danger at sea - had been set off.
They launched the fast inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk, which carried out a search between the lighthouse and South Beach.
The operation was called off at around 6.30pm, after it emerged the beacon had been activated in error whilst being set up by its owner.
The lifeboat then returned to Old Hunstanton Beach, where she was recovered by the station's tractor.
She was then washed down, refuelled and made ready for her next service by the shore crew.
Sixteen volunteers took part in the 'shout'.
Lifeboat operations manager Mike Gould said: 'Although this was set off in error we applaud and recommend all those who go to sea to wear a PLB.
'It emits a signal to alert the coastguard and we can use technology on our craft to locate the beacon rapidly.'
Notes to Editors
Picture of RNLI lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk attached for download, which should be credited RNLI/Chris Bishop
Hunstanton is one of the busiest lifeboat stations in Norfolk, whose volunteers operate the fast inshore lifeboat
Spirit of West Norfolk and the search and rescue hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer.
Like more than 230 RNLI stations around the coast of the UK and Ireland, its lifesaving work is funded entirely by the generosity of those who donate towards the charity that saves lives at sea.
RNLI media contacts
For more information call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219 or Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East on 07824 518641 or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
