In 1992, the rescue service provided by the Portishead Yacht and Sailing club was ended. During their 25 years of service, they launched 228 times, assisting 404 people and saving 34 lives.

The feeling within the local community was that the area should have a sea rescue service, and a petition was duly raised and representation was made to the RNLI requesting a lifeboat station should be set up in Portishead. The RNLI decided that this was not viable.

A group of local people decided that, despite this, a marine rescue service was needed in Portishead, and after gaining the support of the local councils and people The Portishead Lifeboat Trust was established in 1995.

Within a year of setting up, Portishead Lifeboat was fully paid for and put on station. Within 48 hours, she was launched on her first service call.