Record numbers watch air festival

The Red Arrows formed a major part of the show in Bournemouth

A record-breaking 1.3 million people watched the annual Bournemouth Air Show, tourism chiefs have claimed.

Organisers estimated the four-day seafront festival attracted about 1,344,000 this year.

The figure has almost doubled compared with last year's 750,000. The boost to the economy may exceed £30m, Bournemouth Borough Council said.

Meanwhile, Poole RNLI inshore lifeboats dealt with more than 30 incidents on Sunday - the final day of the event.

The girls were really lucky and oblivious to danger they were in Volunteer coxswain Jonathan Clark

The decision to host a third air festival has already been made by the Bournemouth tourism management board - which liaises with the local authority and businesses.

Board chairman Alex Carter said: "We have without a doubt achieved our key objectives for this year, which was to build on last year's success."

Visitors witnessed displays from the RAF, The Red Arrows and beach assaults by the Royal Marines.

Coastguards kept busy

But the last day of the event also kept the rescuers busy with two RNLI inshore lifeboats from Poole responding to more than 30 requests for help from Portland Coastguard.

The charity said more than 1,000 crafts were in the harbour and bay on Sunday. In one incident, two girls on an inflatable mattress were swept out by the wind and tide.

The RNLI responded to more than 30 requests for help on Sunday

Volunteer coxswain Jonathan Clark was on the all weather lifeboat which came across the two girls.

The crew spotted them drifting near the harbour entrance.

Mr Clark said: "[Inflatable mattresses] in certain conditions can be lethal, the girls were really lucky and oblivious to danger they were in.

"I shudder to think what would of happened if they and gone under the [Sandbanks] chain ferry, my blood runs cold thinking about it".

Lifeboats from Mudeford, Swanage, Weymouth and Yarmouth were also called to assist in dealing with the incidents, which included a speedboat on fire at Branksome Chine.

Three people on board were rescued from the vessel, which was later towed to Cobbs Quay after being taken to Poole Quay.

The next air show will be held between 19 and 22 August 2010.