A FORMER Olympic rescue boat has been given a new lease of life helping keep swimmers safe off Poole’s premier beach.

The 5.85 metre rib was bought for RLSS Poole Lifeguard, based at Sandbanks, by local charity the Talbot Village Trust.

At a naming ceremony at the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Poole Mayor, Cllr Phil Eades, officially named the boat Legacy.

It replaces a 10-year-old former rescue boat Phoenix, which needed considerable repair work.

The club helped provide safety cover during the Olympic sailing events at Weymouth and was offered the £38,000 boat at a knock down price of £17,600.

“Phoenix has done us proud but she was really on her last legs,” said lifeguard chairman David Ayre.

“We were desperate to find a replacement but didn’t have the funds so thought we had no chance of acquiring the Olympics boat – even at half-price – until the trust came up trumps for which we’re incredibly grateful.

“Having this new boat will enable us to continue to preserve life at sea and in the Poole and Sandbanks area.”

The club has 135 members aged nine upwards and promotes lifeguard training, sea rescue skills, canoeing and powerboating.

During the summer it supports the RNLI with voluntary lifeguard cover at Sandbanks and rescue boat cover at powerboat, sailing, canoeing and open water swimming events.

Talbot Village Trustee, Sir Michael Salt said: “Poole Lifeguard provides an essential community service which has saved many lives over the years and we are very happy to be able to contribute to this worthy cause.”