[2] Even if no lifeboats were involved, the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck (RNIPLS), founded in 1824 by Sir William Hillary, Bt., later to become the RNLI, made awards for outstanding sea rescues.

On 14 September 1972, the lifeboat towed home a small motor boat with 4 people aboard, which had suffered engine failure 4 mi (6.4 km) offshore.

[5] In 1985, trials began of a larger D-class lifeboat, the Zodiac Grand Raid IV, which was fitted with twin 40-hp engines, giving a top speed of 26 knots (30 mph).

[1] One of the more unusual items to be found at Red Bay lifeboat station is a large Buoy once operated by the Commissioner of Irish Lights.

Dating from 1969, Conical Buoy No 131 spent the next thirty years moored in Clew Bay, County Mayo, warning mariners of the shingle bar at Dorinish More.

Blast cleaned, repaired, painted, with a working light and a slot cut in the side, it is probably the largest RNLI donation box.

Following a coastal review, it was decided to place an All-weather Trent-class lifeboat at Red Bay for a 2-year evaluation period, whilst retaining the Inshore boat.