The Bristol Channel has an extreme tidal range which made it difficult for the RNLI to find a site from which a lifeboat could be easily launched at all states of the tide.

The RNLI has laid boards on top of it to provide a safer access route for their volunteers but since December 2013 a portable building has been situated adjacent to the Marine Lake and the lifeboat can be launched using the slipway into Knightstone Harbour.

The larger lifeboat remained in the 'temporary' building on Birnbeck Pier for a while from which it could be launched when required at any state of the tide but only "when there is a significant risk to life".

In 2015 the RNLI announced that it would seek planning permission for a permanent lifeboat station at Knightstone Harbour along with deep-water anchorage at Anchor Head.

[13] In common with other lifeboat stations, the number of service calls has increased significantly since the 1960s due to the rise in leisure craft and swimmers.

[15] Late in the evening of 13 September 1975, ILB A-504 was launched info a Force 9 gale in response to a report of red flares being seen off Brean Down, the promontory on the south side of Weston Bay.

Helmsman Julian Morris was awarded an RNLI Bronze Medal for his outstanding seamanship, great skill and tremendous courage.

[16] On the afternoon of 20 July 1986 Helmsman Morris took Weston Centenary to Brean Down to rescue two young boys who had been trapped by the tide, but he could only get to within 40 yards (37 m) of the shore.

Lifeboatman Richard Spindler volunteered to swim through the 5 feet (1.5 m) high surf several times to take lifejackets to the boys and bring them back to the lifeboat.