[1] The station currently operates two Inshore lifeboats, the B-class (Atlantic 85) Donald McLauchlan (B-808) since 2006, and the D-class (IB1) Duggie Rodbard II (D-794) since 2016.

For many years, there were three lifeboats located along a 3 miles stretch of coast opposite the sands, North Deal, Kingsdown and Walmer.

[1] In 1830, RNLI Gold and Silver Medals were awarded, for the rescue of 13 crew from the ship Mountaineer, and three Deal boatmen, on 24 November 1829.

[2][3][4] In 1856, the RNLI issued an appeal to place a lifeboat at Walmer, highlighting the dangers of the Goodwin Sands to international trade through the Port of London.

In 1944, Coxswain Joseph Mercer was awarded the RNLI Bronze Medal for the rescue of 13 men from an anti-submarine boat stranded on the Goodwin Sands.