WELCOME TO POOLE LIFEBOAT STATION WEBSITE
Poole Lifeboat Station is one of over 235 lifeboat stations around the coast of the UK, RoI, Isle of Man and Channel Islands. It is part of the RNLI and provides a search and rescue service for Poole Harbour and Poole Bay in Dorset.
We are one of the busiest lifeboat stations, with our volunteer lifeboat crews launching on average three times each week. In 2012, the lifeboats launched 109 times – the busiest station in the south west (2011: 140, 2010: 148, and in 2009: 200).
This website is maintained by lifeboat station personnel and volunteers and includes details of the lifeboats, recent launches, the crew, forthcoming events and station history. We hope you enjoy your visit!
In the event of an emergency on the coast,
dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Latest launches
Date: 26/5/13
Lifeboat: ILB
Casualty: Yacht and motorcruiser
Location: Goathorn Point, Poole Harbour
Summary:
On a gloriously sunny afternoon (a rarity for a Bank Holiday weekend), but in winds gusting up to 20 knots and in a strong ebbing spring tide, a report came in that two vessels had collided near Goathorn Point.
The ILB crew was paged at 1515 and was on scene shortly after to find that a 12.8m motorcruiser had dragged its anchor and had collided with an 11m yacht, also at anchor, and the chain of the yacht had hooked over the stern drive of the motorcruiser.
A lifeboat crew member was put onboard each of the vessels to check that there were no injuries to the people onboard – one person on each vessel.
The ILB crew managed to unhook the two vessels and towed the yacht a short distance to another anchorage, followed by helping the motorcruiser to establish another anchorage as well.
Once the people and vessels were safely at anchor, the ILB crew returned to station just after 1600.
Date: 24/5/13
Lifeboat: ILB
Casualty: Capsized dinghy
Location: West of Pottery Pier, Poole Harbour
Summary:
Following some 999 calls to Portland Coastguard, the ILB crew was paged to check out a capsized dinghy, with a broken mast, just west of Pottery Pier in Poole Harbour.
Just as the crew were getting kitted up the crew were stood down as a further report had come in that the dinghy had been spotted a day or so earlier in that position and that there was no one in trouble.
This call out will therefore not be counted in the number of launches for this year.
Date: 19/5/13
Lifeboat: ILB
Casualty: Reported sightings of flares
Location: Wareham Channel, Poole Harbour
Summary:
Poole's ILB launched at 2230 at the request of Portland Coastguard following the reported sighting of three red flares in the Wareham Channel area of Poole Harbour.
The ILB proceeded quickly to the area and carried out an extensive search; visibility was good as it was a clear night with a bright half moon. After covering the area thoroughly and not finding anything untoward, the ILB retured to station ready for service.
ILB helsman Dave Riley said that the incident was being treated as a false alarm with good intent.
If you want to be kept informed about our latest launches then check out the desktop pager.
News stories
Two rescues and a wedding!
Crew Member Rob Inett and Megan tied the knot on Saturday 18 May at Sankey Marine on the River Avon near Evesham, but even on their special day they were unable to leave lifeboating at home.
As the groom and friends headed downriver in two rescue boats, to pick up the bride and bring her to the wedding venue, they came across a person in the water who had fallen out of a rowing boat, so they carried out a quick rescue before carrying on with the planned event of the day.
The happy couple were married in the boathouse, where Rob had spent many happy times in his younger days, and were joined by family and friends, including RNLI lifeguards and Poole lifeboat crew.
As everyone enjoyed cream teas by the riverside, disaster was averted when the second rescue of the day took place as special guest 'teddy' fell into the water!
The guests and newly married Mr and Mrs Inett then proceded into the marquee through traditional arched oars held aloft by members of Poole lifeboat crew who'd joined them to help them celebrate their very special day.
More photos...
Wedding bells in the offing for several Poole lifeboat crew
It seems that love is in the air at Poole Lifeboat Station as five crew members are taking the plunge into married life over the next year.
Over the last 2 months, two crew members have become Mr and Mrs (but not to each other!) and a third is due to get married in 2 weeks' time.
In March, Helmsman James Kilburn (aka JK) married his sweetheart Emma in a ceremony at Highcliffe Castle, followed by a reception at The Lord Bute. Although the 'weather was rubbish in the morning', says JK, there were smiles all round during the ceremony and drinks reception, with photos being taken on nearby Christchurch Beach.
JK is the first of the crew in the wedding line-up this year, so sorry girls, a few more eligible batchelors are about to be removed from the 'availability' list.
Then in April, new trainee Dave Bursey married Frances at St Mary's Church, Sixpenny Handley. And in May, Crew Member Rob Inett and Megan are due to get hitched at The Boathouse in Evesham, with the bride and groom leaving the wedding ceremony through traditional arched oars held aloft by fellow crew. Photos to follow.
Poole Lifeboat Station sends everyone all their very best wishes for a very happy life together.
Photo: Dave Riley. More photos...
Fundraising news
Poole lifeboat crew supports enterprising Rachel
A huge thanks to Rachel who has been playing the piano in RNLI College Slipway cafe:bar every evening in May to raise funds for Poole Lifeboat Station.
Some of the lifeboat crew popped down on Thursday evening to show their support and enjoy the music.
Only a few days left for her enterprise so please pop down and hear her in the bar at 7.30pm every night and at 5pm as well on her last day – Friday 31 May.
If you're unable to make it, please donate at her JustGiving page.
Meet our fundraisers!
Have you ever thought about volunteering for the Poole branch of the RNLI, or would you like to know more about what motivates our volunteers and the roles they perform?
If so, then you might like to take a look at our volunteer case studies, based on conversations with some of our volunteers.
And if you think this could be you, then please visit the Volunteering section on our website.
Take a look at our photo gallery for more fundraising photos.
Forthcoming events
Every day in May – Rachel's enterprising fundraising (see below), RNLI College
Come and see her play every day at 7.30pm and also every Friday at 5pm.
Rachel's enterprising fundraising – throughout May
Thirteen-year-old Rachel Matthews will be participating in a Young Enterprise scheme in May to raise as much money as she can from a £10 start-up fund.
Raising money for Poole Lifeboat Station, Rachel has decided to use her musical talents to tinkle the ivories and perform in the Slipway cafe:bar at RNLI College every day during May.
Come and see her play every day at 7.30pm and also every Friday at 5pm.
Check out the video on YouTube as well, featuring her playing the piano alongside the RNLI's mascot Stormy Stan!
What a fantastic idea Rachel – well done and thank you for wanting to do this for Poole Lifeboat Station. We look forward to hearing you and coming along to support you.
Please come along and support her young enterprise.
If you're unable to make it, please donate at her JustGiving page.
OR ...
How about a Skype piano performance? Rachel will sell this to the highest bidder on eBay.
Now how's that for enterprising!
Check out other events coming up ...
Saturday 22 June – RNLI Summer Dinner Dance
Sunday 4 August – Poole Lifeboat Station Open Day
Photo: RNLI/Nigel Millard
Check out our events, fundraising events, coastal safety events and local events for more details and other events in the area.
