Staithes Lifeboat Station was established in 1875, mainly for helping the fishing boats which often had to incur great risk in making land in stormy weather.  In 1922 the RNLI decided to close the station as there was considerable difficulty in launching the lifeboat and in finding a crew, owing to the decline of fishing and the shortage of men. 

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When the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries built breakwaters and made a harbour, the fishing industry revived and in 1928 the station was re-opened.  The station was closed again in 1938.

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In January 1978, an Atlantic-21 Class lifeboat was sent to Staithes for evaluation trials.  These trials were successful, and it was decided to establish an inshore lifeboat station which became operational from 31 March 1978. The all-weather lifeboat at Runswick Station was withdrawn on 30 June 1978.  Staithes was renamed Staithes and Runswick Lifeboat Station that same year. 

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