The Blackpool Lifeboat station was established in Blackpool in 1864. Sailing was operated from the boathouse. A new boathouse was built next to central pier to accommodate a motor lifeboat in 1937. The all-weather lifeboats operated at Blackpool have been a Liverpool class carriage launched lifeboat unlike modern weather lifeboats they have an open cockpit.

In 1965 an inshore lifeboat was incorporated in 1965 to deal with the increased number of bathers. Blackpool has two flanking stations, Fleetwood and Lytham St Annes.
The all-weather lifeboat was withdrawn in 1975 and was replaced by various Atlantic 21 lifeboats on trials. The Atlantic 21 lifeboat is a rigid inflatable type craft driven by two outboard motors. These crafts were developed in 1970 to fill the gap between inshore and all weather lifeboats.

Replacements for the Atlantic 21 arrived in the form of another D Class lifeboat. 1996 saw the arrival of the Atlantic 75 for trials at the station. This was followed by the construction of a new boathouse in 1998. This meant greatly improved facilities for the crew, a new visitor center. The exciting visitor center includes interactive displays, a viewing gallery, panels depicting the history of the station, and a souvenir shop.
A brand new Atlantic 75 arrived in 1998 and was named after the stations first coxswain, Bob Bickerstaffe. He was awarded a silver medal for a service to a Fleetwood schooner in 1880.

Blackpool lifeboat station is one of only two lifeboat stations that have three inshore lifeboats - an Atlantic 75 and two D class inflatable lifeboats. The lifeboat crews have been presented with 11 awards for gallantry during its 141-year history.