RNLI Poole Lifeboat Station

06/06/2026

There is a great vibe at the Summer fete RNLI College
Open till 4pm
The crew can recommend the ice cream
Come down and join in the fun

06/06/2026

Celebrating our wonderful volunteers this Volunteers' Week

As we celebrate Volunteers' Week, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers whose dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm make such a difference to our station and our community.
Our volunteer lifeboat crew and boat officers give their time, skills, and expertise to ensure we are ready to respond whenever the call comes, helping to save lives at sea in all conditions.

We are also grateful to our Water Safety Team, whose vital work helps educate and inform people about staying safe on and around the water, helping to prevent emergencies before they happen, the life jacket clinics and engagement is vital.

Shout out-to our Visits Team, who proudly show visitors around the station, sharing the story of our crews, our history, and the work of the RNLI.
Thank you to our volunteers in the College Shop, who provide a warm welcome to visitors while raising valuable funds and support the station on Open Day.

We would also like to recognise the volunteers at the RNLI Poole Old Lifeboat Museum, whose passion and knowledge help preserve and celebrate our rich lifesaving heritage, and raise funds through the shop. The museum will be open to the public from Friday June 12th.

Finally, a huge thank you to our incredible Fundraisers who were out and about with two collections in May, One on the 4th and then on the weekend of the Poole Regatta. Through their hard work, they raised an outstanding £2,012 during May for the RNLI Mayday campaign. Their efforts help provide the training, equipment, and support that enable volunteers to continue saving lives at sea.
Whether responding to emergencies, educating the public, welcoming visitors, sharing our history, supporting fundraising activities, or helping behind the scenes, every volunteer contribution matters.

This Volunteers' Week, we celebrate every one of you and thank you for the time, energy, and passion you give so generously.
Together, you help us to save lives at sea.
In the words of Gerald the legend
'What a team'
Thank you.


RNLI

05/06/2026

It’s been a busy few weeks recently for our RNLI volunteers with the pager sounding night and day. 📟

Our volunteers did get to see this sunrise on one morning call recently.

Also thanks to The Fisherman Cafe for opening early and supplying bacon sarnies. 🙏

04/06/2026

Poole and Swanage lifeboats in joint training scenario

Lifeboats from Poole and Swanage RNLI Lifeboat Station launched in blustery conditions on a training scenario which involved a collision with two ribs, resulting in two people in the water and another six people potentially injured.

Poole lifeboats were quickly onscene pulling the people from the water and were soon supported by Swanage all-weather lifeboat.

The most serious were transferred onto the all-weather lifeboat while those still onboard the collided vessels were triaged and treated.

All casualties were then transferred safely ashore.

A great scenario set up by the volunteer Lifeboat Medical Advisors from Poole & Swanage that really tested all crews casualty care skills in challenging conditions.

Thanks to Powerboat Training UK for supplying the two ribs for the training.

03/06/2026

238 Tick! 🎉

A huge RNLI welcome awaited Allan and Helen Thornhill on Sunday (31 May) as they completed an incredible challenge: visiting every single lifeboat station in the UK and Republic of Ireland — all 238 of them!
Inspired by the TV series Saving Lives at Sea, the couple hatched their ambitious plan during the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year. Their adventure began at Teddington Lifeboat Station in 2024 and fittingly came to a close at Poole Lifeboat Station on Sunday.
Along the way, Allan and Helen have raised more than £4,600 for the RNLI, helping ensure lifeboats can continue launching and volunteers can be there when people need them most. As a charity funded by public donations, every pound makes a difference.

During their visit to Poole, the station pager sounded, briefly raising excitement levels, although the callout was later cancelled. Helen revealed that the first live shout they witnessed was back at station number 163 — Mumbles Lifeboat Station. Impressively, she kept a detailed record of every station visited throughout the journey and the couple did witness a ‘Launch’ from Poole as they were walking back to the lifeboat College on Monday evening when our lifeboat was tasked.

Their route took them to every corner of the lifeboat map:
📍 Aith, Shetland – the most northerly station
📍 Valentia, Ireland – the most westerly
📍 Lowestoft – the most easterly
📍 St Hellier – the most southerly

The adventure showcased the remarkable variety of RNLI stations. Allan and Helen loved spotting the contrasts between them all — from stunning modern facilities such as the newly opened station at Cleethorpes, to iconic slipways at Tenby and Padstow, the beauty in the engineering and landscape of the Lizard contrasting with the humble portacabin station at Stonehaven.
The stations weren't the only highlights. Some RNLI shops left a lasting impression too. Ilfracombe's shop, housed in a former chemist, still features many of its original fittings, while Broughty Ferry's gift shop occupies a charming church.

But more than the buildings, boats and breathtaking views, it was the people who made the journey special. At every stop, Allan and Helen met volunteers united by the same commitment to saving lives at sea, creating memories and friendships that will last long after station number 238.
A huge thank you to Allan and Helen for connecting lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland, bringing RNLI communities together, and raising such a fantastic amount along the way.
So, what's next?
The adventure may be complete, but it isn't really over. Allan volunteers at Brighton RNLI, and both agreed they'll continue dropping in on lifeboat stations whenever they're near the coast.
And who knows? With Helen's notebook packed full of stories, memories and observations from all 238 stations, perhaps there's a book waiting to be written yet...

238 RNLI Lifeboat Station Challenge

RNLI

02/06/2026

INVESTIGATION | We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Poole Harbour.

Dorset Police received a report at 6.56pm on Sunday 31 May 2026 that a man was believed to have gone into the water from a sailing boat in the area of Arne Bay between around 8pm and 9pm on Friday 29 May 2026.

A report was subsequently received at 6.11am on Tuesday 2 June 2026 that a man had been found unresponsive in the water in Poole Harbour off the coast of Baiter Park.

He was recovered from the water and it was confirmed that the man was deceased.

While formal identification has not yet taken place, it is believed to be the man who was reported to have gone into the water – 35-year-old Michael Mitchell from Chelmsford in Essex, who was known to his family as ‘Mitch’. His family has been updated.

An investigation is underway into the circumstances of death, led by detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).

As part of the investigation, three men – a 46-year-old from Poole, a 31-year-old of no fixed abode and a 22-year-old from Essex – have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody, with the arrests made to assist the investigation in gathering information and also to provide legal protection to those involved as enquiries continue.

The arrested men and the man who is reported to have gone into the water are believed to be known to each other.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicky Jenkins, of MCIT, said: “We are carrying out a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances of the death.

“Michael Mitchell’s family are continuing to be updated with developments and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“We are compiling detailed evidence to establish a clear picture of what happened and we would urge people to refrain from speculating on the circumstances of this incident as these enquiries remain ongoing.

“We would urge anyone who has any information that might assist our investigation, or who has had any recent contact with Mr Mitchell, to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260080161. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

02/06/2026

Poole Lifeboat launched at 4.30pm on Monday 1 June following a request from UK Coastguard to assist a 21ft fishing boat with two people onboard.

Conditions were damp, with passing rain showers and a south-westerly Force 3 wind.
The vessel had suffered engine failure and was left unable to make its own way. It was located just off Hook. sands in Poole Bay, where the sea was running quite lumpy.
Due to the depth of water and prevailing conditions, the crew were unable to deploy an anchor.

The lifeboat crew arrived quickly on scene and carried out welfare checks on those onboard. Both occupants were safe and well, and the crew noted they were properly equipped and wearing lifejackets.

After assessing the situation and considering the sea state and tidal conditions, the decision was made to tow the vessel back into Poole Harbour. A tow line was established and the casualty vessel was brought safely back to its mooring in Parkstone Bay.

As the lifeboat approached the mooring, the crew encountered the Monday evening sailing race yachts and the X Boat fleet. Finding themselves heading against a flotilla of racing yachts through a narrow channel, the crew were treated to an impressive display of sailing skill.

Reflecting on the scene, the lifeboat helm commented:
"The sailing skills and seamanship on display was fantastic."
Once the fishing boat was safely secured on its mooring, the lifeboat crew stood by while arrangements were made for a Parkstone water taxi to collect the two occupants and bring them ashore.

With everyone safe , the lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service by 7.30pm

31/05/2026

Well done to RNLI volunteer Matt (centre) who has successfully passed his Tier 1 assessment on the D class.

After months of training the hard work paid off 👏

28/05/2026

Busy and incredibly hot few days for the volunteers at Poole Lifeboat.

Poole Lifeboat was launched on Monday (26 May) by UK Coastguard following reports of a person and dog drifting off Rockley Point in a rubber ring. However, on arrival the crew found a different situation unfolding.
Two young girls had already been recovered from the water by a member of the public and were safely on the beach. There was no sign of a person or dog in the water.

The lifeboat crew immediately administered casualty care to the youngsters before handing them into the care of their family and Poole Coastguard Rescue Team who had arrived on scene.
With no further assistance required, the lifeboat returned to station.

Both Poole Lifeboats were launched again on (Tuesday 27 May) at 1.40pm to assist in the search for a missing seven-year-old girl in the Haven Hotel area of Sandbanks. The child had reportedly been on a paddleboard and missing for some time. Conditions were clear with an easterly Force 3 breeze.

The lifeboats were joined by the Coastguard helicopter, Poole Coastguard teams on shore and several pleasure craft assisting with the search. Crews carried out extensive search patterns from Sandbanks through the harbour entrance and across towards Studland.
Just before 3pm, confirmation was received that the girl had been located safe and well ashore, and all rescue assets were stood down. Following refuelling and wash down, both lifeboats were ready again for service by 3.45pm.

During the current heatwave, pagers have sounded several times with crews mustering before being stood down, while RNLI lifeguards across the area have also been exceptionally busy.

The RNLI is reminding people to visit lifeguarded beaches where possible and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which mark the safest area of the beach.
Although the weather is warm, sea temperatures remain dangerously cold. Enter the water slowly and allow your body time to acclimatise.
If you get into trouble in the water, remember :
• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
• Relax and try to breathe normally
• Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
• It’s OK if your legs sink – everybody floats differently
• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety
Enjoy the coast safely and please don’t take unnecessary risks.

If you see anyone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Pagers have gone off again today will post details if appropriate.

27/05/2026

A great opportunity for a seasonal job to work with the team at The Fisherman Cafe.

To be successful you will need to learn all our volunteers orders! 😉

Comment below your breakfast of choice!

Personally, a hash brown goes with everything!

Seasonal Team Member – Weekday & Weekend Availability

We are looking for a friendly, reliable, and enthusiastic Seasonal Team Member to join our small and supportive team. This role offers flexible weekday and weekend shifts with early starts, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your day.

The ideal candidate will be welcoming, approachable, and confident interacting with customers while working efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Greeting and assisting customers in a friendly and professional manner

Taking customer orders accurately

Serving food and drinks to tables

Clearing and resetting tables

Washing up and maintaining cleanliness throughout the workspace

Supporting the team with day-to-day duties as required

What We’re Looking For

Excellent people and communication skills

A positive attitude and strong team ethic

Flexibility with working hours

Ability to work well within a small team

Reliable, hardworking, and customer-focused

Minimum age requirement: 16+

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking for seasonal work in a welcoming and energetic environment. Previous experience is beneficial but not essential, as training can be provided for the right candidate.

To apply:
Please email your CV to [email protected] or pop in to see us in person.