News
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.
Photos: Dave Riley. More photos...
April 2013
- Tribute to former Second Coxswain – 23 April 2013
- 10-year-old from Bournemouth wins RNLI's competition to design the future of lifeboats – 22 April 2013
- New crew and trainees join Poole Lifeboat Station – 17 April 2013
- Awards for four crew at annual dinner – 13 April 2013
- Poole Crew Member Rob Inett provides vital medical care at scene of car crash – 13 April 2013
- Morgan Sindall flies the flag at Poole Lifeboat Station – 5 April 2013
Tribute to former Second Coxswain – 23 April 2013
It is with great sadness that Poole Lifeboat Station received news of the death of Bill Hayes, a former long-serving crew member, who died recently aged 92.
Affectionately known as Bill, Francis William George Hayes joined the crew in 1939 and served on the crew for 36 years until his retirement in 1975.
He served on six all-weather lifeboats – the Surf class lifeboat Thomas Kirk Wright from 1939–62 (which can still be seen in the Old Lifeboat Museum), the Liverpool class Bassett Green from 1962–69 and three relief Liverpool class lifeboats. He served as Second Coxswain from 1973–75 until his retirement just after the station received the Waveney class lifeboat.
During his time on the crew he served with four coxswains, including his father Frank Hayes, and was involved in many rescues. His brother Frank John Hayes was Mechanic and another brother was also a crew member.
Reg Brown, Frank Hayes and Bill Hayes (right) receiving Certificates of Service
Bill represented the RNLI and Poole Lifeboat Station at the VE Day Parade in London in May 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War.
Bill had been a Coxswain of Poole Pilot cutters and had served in the Merchant Navy in the Second World War. As well as being a lifeboat crew member, Bill was a full-time fisherman, and worked on the ferries on the quay until a few years ago.
His funeral will be on Tuesday 30 April at 2.15pm at the Ashley Road Methodist Church, Poole.
At this time our thoughts are very much with Bill's family and friends.
As a mark of respect, we will be lowering the RNLI flag on Tuesday at the station and at the Old Lifeboat station on the quay where he served.
Photos: Andrew Hawkes Archive
10-year-old from Bournemouth wins RNLI's competition to design the future of lifeboats – 22 April 2013
10-year-old Joshua Moutray from ELM Academy Bournemouth has won the RNLI's competition for local schoolchildren to design their lifeboat of the future.
Joshua's design will be displayed on the wooden hoardings that will surround the build-site of the charity's new All-weather Lifeboat Centre at its Headquarters in Poole.
Joshua will be a special guest at the unveiling of his design (date to be announced), which will be displayed while the new lifeboat facility is built. Joshua and the two runners-up, Megan Bishop and Kayla Brooks both also 10-years old and from ELM Academy Bournemouth, have won a year's membership of Storm Force, the RNLI's lifeboat club for children.
The RNLI received many entries from local schoolchildren, but it was Joshua's design that caught the eye of RNLI judge Pete Eyre, who is a senior naval architect and designer of the charity's most advanced lifeboat, the Shannon class.
More information ... and all entries for the competition can be seen here.
New crew and trainees join Poole Lifeboat Station – 17 April 2013
Twelve new trainees have just completed their first four months of shore-based training at Poole Lifeboat Station.
Some of the new crew have transferred from other lifeboat stations as they have moved to Poole for jobs, while the other new crew were selected following the lifeboat station's first ever successful Recruitment Open Day last September.
Anyone interested in volunteering in all sorts of roles was invited to come along and have a look around the lifeboat station and meet the crew and other fundraising and visits volunteers.
Having first made enquiries with the station, the twelve trainees, who range in age from 17 to 38, and work in several professions in Poole – web developers, physiotherapist, apprentice marine engineer, yard hand, stores person, student, RNLI trainer, designer, manufacturing manager – then checked with their employers to see if they could spare them in the event of a call out.
After their formal application and a medical, they then undertook their initial training, which has covered roles and responsibilities, personal protective equipment, lifeboat layout, knots, chartwork and emergency procedures.
Photo above left: New trainee Suzie Jupp checking the lifeboat layout on a training exercise
Photo above right: Lifeboat Training Coordinator Paul Taylor going through the tool compartment with new trainees Rob and Dave
Photo above left: New trainees Lewis, Joe and Graham enjoying a familiarisation training exercise
Photo above right: New trainee Steve checking over the navigation area of the Tyne class lifeboat
Following both written and practical assessments, the 12 new trainees are now working on their crew training development plan, which covers all aspects of becoming a fully-fledged crew member.
As their pagers rang out for the first time, which started their hearts racing, some have even been on their first call outs in the last week – the first of many!
Welcome to all the new crew and good luck with your training.
Check out more photos...
Awards for four crew at annual dinner – 13 April 2013
Poole lifeboat crew gathered at its annual dinner/dance to pay tribute to three members of the crew that have retired from service and to the station Mechanic who was presented with his 20 years' RNLI Long Service Badge.
Steve Axtell joined Poole lifeboat crew in 1996 and served until 2010, during which time 83 lives were saved. When Steve joined the crew he was a commercial diver and his knowledge and experience was a real asset. Steve's day job is still related to the water as he is a Fisheries Enforcement and Conservation Officer on the waters in and around Poole.
Stuart Newcombe joined the crew in 1998 and served until 2012 and during this time 81 lives were saved. Stuart was Deputy Coxswain and inshore lifeboat Helmsman. Stuart's day job is as Director and Principal of Principal Power Sea School where he instructs other people and shares his extensive knowledge of maritime activities.
John Vine joined the crew in 1999 and served until March 2013 during which time 63 lives were saved. John was inshore lifeboat Helmsman and a crew member on the all-weather lifeboat. His day job is a stevedore, working on the docks in Poole.
With their combined 42 years' service the lifeboat station and people of Poole are indebted to Steve, Stuart and John for their time and dedication that they have all selflessly given.
Paul Taylor was presented with his 20 years' Long Service Badge by Lifeboat Operations Manager Rod Brown. Paul joined St Davids Lifeboat Station in Pembrokeshire in 1993 at the age of 17 years and then relocated to Poole, becoming the full-time Mechanic at our lifeboat station in 2005. Paul is also the Lifeboat Training Coordinator, sharing his 20 years of knowledge with our new recruits – the future lifeboat crew.'
Poole Crew Member Rob Inett provides vital medical care at scene of car crash – 13 April 2013
On Saturday evening, 13 April, while on the way home from assessing RNLI lifeguards in Margate, Poole lifeboat Crew Member Rob Inett came across a high-speed crash on the M2 between a lorry and an Audi. 'This must have happened a few minutes ahead of me so I stopped to see if all was okay and ended up there for an hour and a half inside the car doing airway and spinal management on the passenger who was unable to move and in a great deal of pain.'
Together with an off duty fireman, they applied a spinal collar and managed her regular vomiting while waiting an hour for the ambulance that was slowed by the backing traffic behind the accident. They also did their best to manage the driver, who was up and about but also in a great deal of pain.
Once the ambulance arrived, Rob then assisted paramedics to extract the passenger from the car to a spinal board and then to the ambulance, which took the passenger to hospital.
Rob said: 'Luckily I always carry a full casualty care kit in my vehicle, and the casualty and her partner seemed to be quite reassured that a trained RNLI volunteer was happy and willing to stop and help them until a paramedic arrived.'
As Rob's picture shows, the lorry stopped just a metre or so away from completely flattening the car. Another second or two and this would have been a very different kind of assistance.
Well done Rob. When something like this happens, it proves how useful and vital the RNLI's casualty care training can be.
Morgan Sindall flies the flag at Poole Lifeboat Station – 5 April 2013
Poole Lifeboat Station crew are now the proud owners of a special RNLI ceremonial flag – one of only two of its kind in the country.
The crew were presented with the flag by Poole-based construction company Morgan Sindall. The firm's Senior Project Manager Chris Holloway is a volunteer Deputy Launching Authority (DLA) and Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer (LSSO) at Poole Lifeboat Station.
The flag is used during ceremonies including the town's Armistice Day parade and Service of the Sea. It is the first RNLI flag to be permanently kept at a lifeboat station, while the other royal ceremonial standard kept at RNLI Headquarters is used for special occasions around the country and shared with other stations.
Chris said: 'The Poole office of Morgan Sindall undertakes a lot of work in the area, and we always try to give something back to the communities in which we operate. I've been a volunteer at Poole Lifeboat Station for over 12 years, and I knew how much having the standard meant to the staff and crew.'
Jonathan Clark, volunteer Coxswain at Poole Lifeboat Station, said: 'We are extremely grateful to Chris and Morgan Sindall for donating the flag to the station and we are looking forward to carrying it with pride on the next parade.'
Check out more photos ...
Photos: Samantha Cook Photography
March 2013
- Helmsman Ed Davies not only helms the lifeboat, he helps to design and build them too – 22 March 2013
- Old Lifeboat Museum opens for new season – 23 March 2013
- Head to our lifeguard-patrolled beaches this Easter – 22 March 2013
- New RNLI film highlights extent of the worldwide drowning epidemic – 11 March 2013
- Our trusty Tyne returns – 8 March 2013
- Poole RNLI lifeboat volunteers locate Kirsty – Friday 1 March 2013
- March is Free Wills month! – Friday 1 March 2013
Helmsman Ed Davies not only helms the lifeboat, he helps to design and build them too – 22 March 2013
Poole Lifeboat Helmsman and RNLI Naval Architect Ed Davies features in an article in the Winter 2012-13 issue of the RNLI Family magazine lookout about the new All-weather Lifeboat Centre at Poole.
On 10 January, the RNLI received planning permission from the Borough of Poole to build a facility at its Headquarters in Dorset to bring all-weather lifeboat production and maintenance in-house.
Poole ILB Helmsman and RNLI Naval Architect Ed Davies features in an article in the Winter 2012-13 issue of the RNLI Family magazine lookout about the new All-weather Lifeboat Centre at Poole.
The lookout article provides information about the project and includes an interview with Ed, who as volunteer crew member and Naval Architect, is uniquely positioned to talk about the benefits of the proposed new lifeboat build facility.
In his interview, Ed says that as a Naval Architect: 'If all goes to plan, in a couple of years' time, it'll be fantastic. I'll just walk downstairs and I'll be face to face with lifeboat production and the people working on the boats. We'll be able to discuss ideas and solve issues quickly and confidently, all within a facility designed for the smoothest flow of work. As a crew member I can trust that our lifeboat is built well. As an engineer I can make sure it is.'
The next stage of the project will see the old buildings cleared from the site, the sea wall rebuilt and the site raised to comply with flood defence requirements. Then, once a building contractor is appointed by the RNLI, construction work at the Holes Bay site can start.
The current lifeboat maintenance operation has moved to Cobbs Quay, across the water at Holes Bay, where the RNLI will be renting space temporarily until the new facility is up and running. If you'd like to have a look round our lifeboats at Cobbs Quay Marina, then come along to the Open Weekend on 13-14 April.
To keep up to date with the progress of the project, check out Build for a Lifesaving Future on the RNLI website.
Old Lifeboat Museum opens for new season – 23 March 2013
Housing one of Poole's historic lifeboats, Thomas Kirk Wright, the old boathouse and souvenir shop at Fisherman's Dock at the end of Poole Quay offers the public a close-up view of the lifeboat and the history that surrounds it.
And it opens on Saturday, 23 March 2013 at 10am.
The museum crew have been busy Spring cleaning, rehousing all the spiders and restocking the shelves for the season ahead, with the shop in the Old Boathouse selling RNLI memorabilia, cards, gifts, clothing and nautical-themed items.
Proceeds from the gift shop itself will go directly to the RNLI in order to save lives at sea.
Last year, nearly 35,000 visitors walked through the door to find out about Poole lifeboat's historic past and also generously donated over £6,000.
We look forward to welcoming you if you haven't been to see us before or seeing you again this year. Please call in and say hello!
Head to our lifeguard-patrolled beaches this Easter – 22 March 2013
With localised flooding and snow blanketing much of the country, many beaches around the country are preparing for their first lifeguard patrols of the year this Easter, ensuring the safety of you and your family.
If you're planning on heading to the beach in this less than tropical weather then make sure you head to your nearest lifeguarded beach.
While many beaches are lifeguarded only throughout the Summer months, others are patrolled all year round and some from Easter.
Sandbanks, Bournemouth West and Bournemouth East will all be patrolled over the Easter period from 29 March to 12 April, and Boscombe East is patrolled all year.
A full list of RNLI lifeguarded beaches is available from the RNLI's website, including season dates, or download our free Beach Finder App that tells you your nearest lifeguarded beach.
Check out our safety tips too!
And let's hope the weather improves for you to enjoy our beautiful beaches!
Photo: RNLI
New RNLI film highlights extent of the worldwide drowning epidemic – 11 March 2013
An emotive film about the scale of the global drowning problem and the work needed to tackle it has been launched by the RNLI.
The short film features a moving account from a Senegalese man who lost his son and niece in a drowning tragedy last year. Drowning claims around 1.2 million lives worldwide each year - more than the number of people who die from malaria.
Most drownings happen in the world's poorest countries, which have either very limited lifesaving services, or none at all. In some countries, particularly in areas of Africa, Asia and South America, drowning is a leading cause of child death. The RNLI's international development programmes are aiming to reduce this staggering loss of life.
The film highlights the scale of the global drowning problem and profiles the lifeguard training programme the RNLI has been delivering in Senegal to help tackle the issue.
The RNLI has carried out similar work in Bangladesh, helping to set up the country's first ever coastal lifesaving service. The charity has also been working with countries including Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda, India and Brazil, delivering lifeguard training and swim survival training.
Watch the emotive film and read more.
Photo: RNLI/Mike Lavis
Our trusty Tyne returns – 8 March 2013
Our trusty 47-023 City of Sheffield is now back home, safely moored alongside after a passage back from Cowes following her condition-based refit.
The crew left Poole at 6.30am to get to Cowes in time for a hearty breakfast before heading to Richardsons at Island Harbour Marina to pick the Tyne up.
In complete contrast to the weather we enjoyed taking her over to Cowes, the trip for the crew to bring her back saw her shrouded in thick fog, with visibility down to 20m for the first part of the passage – as we left Cowes we were unable to see the top of the Red Funnel car ferry!
It was good practice for the crew to test the LaserPlot, GPS, radar and eyesight though!
After a slower than wanted passage back, the sun tried to peak through as we neared Poole, arriving back at 12.30pm.
After refuelling, more crew then helped to swap the kit over and at 3.30pm, the crew took the relief Tyne class David Robinson up to Cobbs Quay Marina.
Thanks for looking after us David, but it's good to have our trusty City of Sheffield home.
Photo: RNLI/Anne-Marie Clark
Poole RNLI lifeboat volunteers locate Kirsty – Friday 1 March 2013
Property guru and presenter Kirsty Allsop, famous for her Homemade Home and Location, Location, Location TV series, met station and fundraising volunteers when she opened the revamped B&Q at Fleetsbridge, Poole, on Friday 1 March 2013.
Kirsty took time out of her busy schedule to chat to our volunteers who were at B&Q and several of them took the opportunity to have their photo taken with her – including our full-time Welsh Mechanic Paul Taylor. Not only was it St Davids Day but it made his day meeting Kirsty!
Our fundraisers were kindly allowed to collect at B&Q over 3 days, and shoppers were greeted by Stormy Stan, an inshore lifeboat and the offer of some free safety advice. Thank you to everyone who turned up and supported the RNLI.
The newly-designed store is just one of three in the country which has been selected to trial B&Q's innovative, trend-led product development and layout, making it easier to shop with more help and advice centres and DIY workshops from £5 as well as a vibrant new collection of home accessories and solutions.
Check out more photos of the day ...
Photos: RNLI/(John Earnshaw and Dave Corke)
March is Free Wills Month!
March 2013 is the month when anyone aged 55 or over can take advantage of the RNLI's offer to have their Will written or amended for free.
This is available across England and Wales during the month of March.
To find your nearest participating solicitors, just take a look at this list.
If there is not one near to where you live, don't worry. This offer will be available again in October, in different locations.
The RNLI works exclusively with schemes that only use solicitors who, unlike some other Will providers, are professionally qualified and regulated.
It is hoped that anyone who decides to make or amend their Will for free will also consider leaving a gift to the RNLI – although there is no obligation to do so.
Please note that the offer applies to simple Wills only. If your Will proves more complex then you may be asked to pay the difference.
February 2013
- Poole RNLI lifeboat crew say 'Just do it!' – Tuesday 26 February 2013
- The RNLI does the Harlem Shake! – Monday 25 February 2013
- Valentine's night out for Poole lifeboat crew sees them presented with The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals – Thursday 14 February 2013
- Are you up to the challenge for Bournemouth's first ever marathon? – Friday 8 February 2013
Poole RNLI lifeboat crew say 'Just do it!' – Tuesday 26 February 2013
A national DIY chain is celebrating the refurbishment of their Poole store by giving their local RNLI lifeboat station a quick makeover.
The expert 'just do it' team from B&Q descended on Poole RNLI Lifeboat Station this week armed with paint pots and rollers and got to work redecorating and completing the job in a matter of hours, making the crew and kit rooms look like new.
The RNLI lifeboat station Mechanic Paul Taylor said: 'Our lifeboat volunteers often have to carry out their tasks quickly but the B&Q staff certainly displayed some amazing skills and finished the job in no time at all. Everyone at the station is very grateful to the B&Q team.'
The store opening celebrations at Fleetsbridge, Poole, continue over the weekend from Friday (1 March 2013) and the RNLI volunteers will be attending together with an inshore lifeboat, Stormy Stan and the offer of some free safety advice.
Check out the times the RNLI team will be at B&Q.
Photo: RNLI/Claire-Marie Mason
The RNLI does the Harlem Shake! – Monday 25 February 2013
Okay, we couldn't resist – everyone was Harlem Shaking this weekend, so the RNLI had to jump on the bandwagon!
Directed by Poole Crew Member Alex Evans, with Mechanic Paul assisting in the background (it's a shame we've just missed the Oscars), featured in the video are volunteer lifeboat crew from Poole – Dave, Oli, Glen, JK, Ed and Emma – Weymouth, The Lizard, St Helier, Moelfre, Wick, Eyemouth, Newcastle, Fenit, Mallaig, Aldeburgh and Portpatrick, as well as other RNLI College trainers, fundraisers and staff from lots of different departments at RNLI Headquarters. (Don't worry, it was lunchtime – they weren't skiving!)
The Harlem Shake is an internet meme – a concept that spreads from person to person via the internet and features an excerpt from the song Harlem Shake by electronic musician Baauer.
The concept behind the video is that it begins with one person (often helmeted or masked – in this case Rookie the Reindeer!) dancing to the song alone for 15 seconds, surrounded by other people not paying attention or unaware of Rookie. The video then cuts to the entire crowd doing a crazy convulsive dance for the next 15 seconds!
Check out the Harlem Shake!
And you can also vote in the #CharityShakeOff.
Valentine's night out for Poole lifeboat crew sees them presented with The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals – Thursday 14 February 2013
In a ceremony at RNLI College, on Thursday 14 February 2013, in front of family and friends, 20 volunteer crew members and station personnel of Poole RNLI Lifeboat Station were presented with Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Mrs Anthony Pitt-Rivers on behalf of HM The Queen.
The ceremony was also attended by Her Worshipful the Mayor of Poole and Consort, Cllr Mrs Carol Evans and Mr Bryan Evans, The Sheriff of Poole Cllr Philip Eades and Miss Helen McDavid.
We're sure it wasn't quite what the crews' partners had in mind when their other halves invited them out for the evening but it was a great night for everyone to enjoy this memorable and well deserved occasion and to be proud of their achievements and be acknowledged for the work they do.
After presenting the medals, Mrs Pitt-Rivers praised the work of the RNLI and all the volunteer crew as well as the families who support them. 'They have shown dedication and courage in responding to maritime emergencies at any time of the day or night, sometimes in atrocious weather conditions to rescue those in distress at sea.'
Photo above left: Poole lifeboat crew and station personnel after receiving their medals
Photo above right: Lewis and Elli Singleton receiving The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal from Mrs Pitt-Rivers on behalf of Paul Singleton
Photos above: Mrs Pitt-Rivers cutting the very scrummy celebration cake
The longest serving volunteer awarded a medal was Paul Singleton with 31 years of service, which was presented to his son Lewis and daughter Elli.
It is believed to be the largest number of 'crown' medals ever to be presented at a lifeboat station at the same time.
Check out more photos of the wonderful occasion and video compilation of Poole Lifeboat Station's activities.
Photos: RNLI (Dave Riley, John Earnshaw)
Are you up to the challenge for Bournemouth's first ever marathon? – Friday 8 February 2013
The RNLI Events Team is on the lookout for anyone who might like to take part in a new running event along the south coast in October, ranging from a 1.5K right up to a full marathon, to help raise vital funds for the RNLI.
In the first year of the Bournemouth Marathon, your route will take you into Poole, home to one of our busiest lifeboat crews, as well as along the 7 miles of golden sandy beaches in Bournemouth and past the many lifeguard huts that line the sands. No matter where you're based, this is a unique opportunity to take part in the first marathon event that Bournemouth has ever seen – why not make the trip down and join hundreds of fundraisers on the sunny south coast?
Junior runners can take part in a 1.5K or 3K event, while adults have the option of a Speed of Light 5K, Supersonic 10K or Half Marathon, and there are 5K wheelchair and handbike races too. For those hardcore runners among you, Bournemouth's first full marathon takes place on Sunday 6 October – so plenty of time to get training!
All runners can choose between a dedicated charity slot or paying a bit more for your own space. Either way, the Events team will support you with fundraising advice, marathon training tips and an RNLI branded training vest – not to mention masses of team spirit!
For more information or to sign up, contact Chloe Parmiter in the Events Team on 01202 663305 or click here to register.
Now's the time to take up the challenge!
Photo: Darren Johnson
January 2013
- 'I will hold you in my heart forever. Thank you for saving my life' – Tuesday 29 January 2013
- Poole Lifeboat Station busiest in South West in 2012 – Tuesday 22 January 2013
- David Robinson temporarily replaces City of Sheffield – Friday 11 January 2013
- A look back at 2012 with Poole Lifeboat Station – Thursday 3 January 2013
- New Year's Day Bath Race – Tuesday 1 January 2013
'I will hold you in my heart forever. Thank you for saving my life' – Tuesday 29 January 2013
The first RNLI Gallantry Medals to be awarded to the Flood Rescue Team are to be awarded for a daring rescue of a woman in swollen Devon river.
Three members of the RNLI's Flood Rescue Team have been recognised for their part in the rescue of a woman clinging to a branch in fast-flowing flood waters in Umberleigh, Devon on 23 December 2012.
Boat Team Leader Paul Eastment, 46, is to be awarded the RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry - one of the Institution's highest accolades - for his courage, leadership and determination in extremely challenging conditions. Helmsman Chris Missen, 25, and Crew Member Martin Blaker-Rowe, 33, will both also be awarded the Bronze Medal for Gallantry for their part in the rescue.
RNLI Shore Crew Member Bernie Mannings, 50, and Driver Jason Dunlop, 40, will also be recognised with the Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum. RNLI Incident Commander Robin Goodlad will be awarded the Framed Letter of Thanks from the Chairman of the Institution. They supported the boat team throughout the incident, driving through flooded roads to the launch site and, once safely there, contributing to the difficult decisions the team had to make.
Check out full details and see real-life police helicopter footage of the actual rescue.
Congratulations from all at Poole Lifeboat Station.
Photo: RNLI/Robin Goodlad
Poole Lifeboat Station busiest in South West in 2012 – Tuesday 22 January 2013
Poole Lifeboat Station was, once again, the busiest RNLI lifeboat station in the South West with 109 launches, down on previous years mainly due to the poor Summer of wet weather.
Poole lifeboats launched 109 times (30 ALB 79 ILB), assisted 146 people, spent 1,298 hours at sea and carried out 41 services in the dark.
The volunteers at Plymouth RNLI in Devon were second busiest with 95 call outs and at Torbay lifeboat station they launched to 86 emergencies. Collectively the three lifeboat station teams rescued 388 people. The busiest lifeboat station in the Channel Islands was St Helier where the volunteers launched 62 times.
RNLI lifeboats across the South West launched 81 fewer times than in 2011 during the second wettest year on record. In total, the volunteer lifeboat crews of the South West launched 1,507 times and spent a collective 16,822 hours at sea on emergency call outs, with Weymouth RNLI volunteers spending the longest time at sea – 2,981 hours – probably due to the increased need for search and rescue cover to ensure the safety of visitors in the area during the Olympics. The crews rescued 1,609 people, 38 more than in the previous year.
Check out both the lifeboat and lifeguard statistics in the South West and national statistics.
Photo: RNLI Poole/Rob Inett
David Robinson temporarily replaces City of Sheffield – Friday 11 January 2013
For those of you who are good at spotting the differences in Tyne class lifeboats, you may have noticed that our trusty 47-023 City of Sheffield has currently been replaced by 47-030 David Robinson, which is now alongside at our berth next to Poole lifting bridge.
Following a previous survey by the RNLI's hull and machinery surveyors, it was decided that the City of Sheffield would go for a condition-based refit.
On a gorgeous morning on Friday 11 January, four Poole lifeboat crew members left the harbour just as the sun was rising above the horizon – it was soooo gorgeous but no photos as we'd all left our cameras at home! – and headed for Richardsons Yacht Services at Island Harbour Marine at Newport, Isle of Wight.
Poole's Tyne is expected to be there for about 6–8 weeks while various servicing and repairs are carried out.
Following the passage, the crew then enjoyed a mega (no kidding) cooked breakfast at The Octopus Garden Cafe in Cowes – we can highly recommend it and can't wait to go and pick the lifeboat up to repeat the culinary experience!
And, after a lifeboat, ferry, bus and train experience, the crew returned back to Poole later that afternoon.
The relief Tyne class David Robinson previously served at The Lizard from 1988–2011.
Photo: Royal Bank of Scotland/Rick Tomlinson
A look back at 2012 with Poole Lifeboat Station – 3 January 2013
2012 was a busy year for Poole Lifeboat Station. Unofficial statistics reveal that the inshore and all-weather lifeboats launched 109 times (79 ILB and 30 ALB), down on previous years, which is more than likely due to the weather and it being the second wettest year on record.
Our highlights (and one lowlight) of 2012 include: Poole Lifeboat Station started 2012 as the busiest lifeboat station in Dorset in 2011, with 140 launches. We received the disappointing news that the Tyne class all-weather lifeboat would be removed from the station in about 3 years' time with plans to introduce a D class inshore lifeboat instead.
The good news included our crews helping to celebrate both the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, taking part in the Diamond Jubilee Pageant, carrying the Olympic Torch and being Olympic games makers.
Our crews were the stars of stage, screen and locally – filming with the CBBC's Hero Squad and being asked the all-important question, Deal or no deal? The lifeboats headed the flotilla as part of the Twin Sails Bridge celebrations and won the Flotilla of Lights for the second year running.
They also starred in varying roles away from the lifeboat station: a crew member won the Seas category of the RNLI's Photographer of the Year competition and was also the 2012 British National Emergency Services Triathlon Champion. Poole crew members headed to Bangladesh to help deliver training and deployed to Bridgwater, Somerset, as part of the Flood Rescue Team.
Poole lifeboat crew were the first in the South Division to receive new lifejackets and the crew received recognition for their teamwork and efforts to save a man, receiving a Letter of Appreciation from the RNLI's Operations Director.
Check out our Launches, News and Fundraising News pages for more to remind you of our achievements in 2012.
Thank you all for your support and we hope that 2013 will bring us some more memorable and momentous times.
New Year's Day Bath Race – Tuesday 1 January 2013
Poole Lifeboat Station's new trainees entered this year's New Year's Day Bath Race challenge and braved the icy waters of Poole Quay in front of hundreds of cheering onlookers.
They went up against the Pirates of Poole and about 20 other teams as they all took to the water in a variety of craft for the annual Bath Race.
Armed with flour bombs and eggs, the teams employed a variety of dirty tricks to try and stay afloat and paddle their way to the finishing line, but as is tradition, several of the makeshift vessels failed to even get to the start line, including Poole Lifeboat Station's team of newcomers.
The bath tubs started from the Customs House steps and made their way to the Nelson and Jolly Sailor steps.
The ALB and ILB were both there, providing help to rescue anyone if needed, and you can check out photos of the event taken by the ALB crew in our photo gallery!
Hope you enjoy looking at the photos (as you can see, a great time was had by all!), and Happy New Year!