Poole is one of the RNLI's busiest lifeboat stations with a 'patch' which contains some of the best beaches on the South Coast and the world's second largest natural harbour. Although the harbour is sheltered, it is packed with yachts and sandbanks and has strong tidal streams.

This account by Steve Vince, the coxswain of the station's Brede class lifeboat, covers an incredible 34 calls during a single Bank Holiday weekend, and shows why the station frequently tops the 'most call-outs' league table! The weekend's calls started on 26 August 1995 at 1433 when both lifeboats launched to a 16ft speedboat sinking off Bournemouth Pier. As we made our way out to the Middle Channel in the Brede class lifeboat Inner Wheel, we came across a dinghy in difficulties with two persons on board. Towing began at 1437 and was passed to a yacht club rescue vessel in order that we could continue with the initial service.

The Atlantic 75 class lifeboat Friendly Forester 11 diverted at 1528 to a vessel with engine failure at the Haven. This resulted in the vessel being towed to safety whilst we took another vessel with engine failure.

At 1544 both lifeboats diverted to two sailing dinghies that were trapped against the chain ferry. The occupants climbed aboard the ferry as the dinghies went underneath and were picked up by other vessels. We passed one of the vessels to the Coastguard Patrol boat and stood by in case further assistance was required.

At 1546 the Atlantic 75 diverted to assist a submerged canoe with one person aboard, the occupant was taken ashore with his canoe. Some twenty minutes later, the Brede class lifeboat was called to a 30ft yacht aground on the oyster bank. The Atlantic 75 arrived at 1626 from its previous service to assist.

After nine call-outs, both lifeboats finally returned to station and were ready for service at 1715.

At 0620 the next day, the lifeboats were called to a person in a diabetic coma, aboard a yacht off Goathorn. The casualty was treated by paramedics already aboard the lifeboat.

The Atlantic 75 launched at 1542 to a 42ft cabin cruiser that was on fire off Highcliffe.

The lifeboat later stood down as all persons previously aboard were safely aboard other vessels.

At 1628 the Atlantic 75 launched again, this time to a trimaran aground and sinking off Salterns Marina. The lifeboat managed to tow the vessel to an Auxiliary Coastguard vessel which then towed the trimaran to where it could be lifted from the water.

By 1652, on our way back from Hengistbury Head, we were asked to look for a missing speedboat with four people on board. After finding the speedboat safe and well, both lifeboats diverted to search for a 6ft dinghy with two persons on board and thought to be in trouble off Branksome Chine. The Atlantic 75 took a member of the yacht who had made the report, to assist them in locating the casualty. The vessel was sighted and soon the occupants and the vessel were aboard the lifeboat.

On its way back from this service, the Atlantic 75 located a 22ft speedboat aground on the Hook Sands. The inshore lifeboat managed to tow the vessel off and passed to it to the Brede. After landing the dinghy and its occupants at the Haven, the Atlantic headed for a 16ft vessel with six people aboard which was suffering with machinery failure in Whiteground Lake. The lifeboat made its way towards the casualty but due to the lack of water was unable to get very close. The Brede helped a yacht in difficulties off Brownsea pier at 1810 and then went to assist the inshore lifeboat at 1822.

The D Class was requested from the lifeboat house to tow the small X-boat inflatable dinghy. Using this the four occupants were eventually taken off and transferred via the D Class and the Atlantic to the Brede. The remaining occupants and the vessel were towed to Lake Road. The lifeboat also assisted a 14ft dory with three people aboard with engine trouble.

At 1923 the lifeboat headed for its fourteenth casualty of the day, a yacht having difficulties with the tide in Poole Bay.

The yacht was towed into safety and both lifeboats were ready for service at 2100.

On 28 August 1202 the Atlantic 75 launched to a speedboat in trouble off Hamworthy Park and towed it to safety.Later, the same lifeboat towed a broken down speedboat from Studland Bay to Sandbanks Yacht Club.

At 1756 the Brede launched to a canoe on the Hook Sands. Two people were thought to be aboard but were later located safely ashore.

From 1810 onwards, a further four casualties were towed to safety and both lifeboats finally rested at 2030.

In order to carry out all the lifeboat calls, it is not just the crews that should take the credit. While these services were going on, friends, families and other crew were 'holding the fort' at the lifeboat station - answering the phone and taking a radio log.

A team effort is needed if we are to carry out so many calls successfully, not to mention writing up the 34 reports needed afterwards! During the calls on the 28 August, Helmsman Paul Singleton managed to crew four lifeboats - the 33ft Brede, the Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat, the ex-D class boarding boat and the small X boat. He probably broke some kind of record! Steve Vince, coxswain Poole lifeboat..