There are very strong currents or rips close inshore, with speeds that exceed 7 knots (13 km/h), for several hours at each tide.

In 1883, when the Yacht Club and the raised concrete esplanade were constructed along Penarth seafront, an All-weather lifeboat was relocated to a yard and temporary slipway near the Taff Vale Railway Marine Hotel on the Dock Beach, where it remained until 1905.

[2] With the regular daily hovercraft service between Penarth to Weston-super-Mare, coupled with an increase in leisure boating generated by a new water skiing club, it was decided in 1980 to re-establish lifeboat services at Penarth, with the provision of an inflatable D-class Inshore lifeboat.

Also provided were a Talus MB-4H amphibious tractor, a workshop, an RNLI souvenir shop, a fuel store and improved crew facilities.

That boat was replaced four months later by the Atlantic 75-class Spirit of Penarth (B-725) and the D-class (EA16) Severn Rescuer (D-534).