The RNLI created a lifeboat station in Runswick Bay, about 8 miles north of Whitby, in 1866.  Its sister station at Staithes opened nine years later. Staithes was closed in 1922, which left Runswick Bay as a mainstay of lifeboat operations on this part of the Yorkshire coast until 1978, when Runswick Bay closed, and Staithes was re-activated.

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The first lifeboat to be stationed at Runswick Bay was The Sheffield on station from 1866 which was funded by the people of Sheffield. In 1910, a new station was erected on the site of the previous boathouse. The enlarged station was necessary to accommodate the new 35-foot (11 m) Hester Rothschild. In 1933, the Hester Rothschild was replaced in 1934 by the RNLB Robert Patton - The Always Ready. Originally, this boat was called The Ever Ready, but was renamed Robert Patton - The Always Ready in honour of Runswick's Coxswain Robert Patton who died after a Lifeboat service in Feb 1934.

The RNLB The Royal Thames (Oakley 37) replaced in the Robert Patton - The Always Ready in 1970. The Lifeboat Station closed in 1978; the local residents banded together and funded the 'Runswick Rescue Boat' which now provides additional cover in Runswick Bay in addition to the Lifeboat cover provided by the Atlantic 85 based at Staithes.

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In April 1937, a sudden storm erupted in the area. As most young men were out on the fishing boats, older men were drafted in to man the boat, the Lifeboat was launched into sea by the women of the village.

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