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Despite its relatively benign appearance, the coast around Cromer has always been treacherous to shipping, due to the many shallow sandbanks that lie just offshore.
That, and the fact that there is no safe no harbour to the east until you get to Great Yarmouth some 40 miles (65 km) away by sea.
It is perhaps not surprising, therefore, that Cromer was home to the RNLI's most decorated lifeboat man.
Coxswain Henry Blogg (1876-1954), was awarded three Gold and four Silver RNLI medals for gallantry, as well as the George Cross and British Empire Medal during his 53 years of service.
He and his dedicated crew launched some 387 times and helped to save 873 lives in all.
A modest man, when he wasn't out performing feats of unimaginable bravery, he earn his living hiring out deck chairs and beach huts, accompanied by Monte, a Tyrolean sheepdog he rescued along with 29 crew from the Italian vessel, Monte Nevoso in 1932.
Much more on Henry Blogg and his almost equally famous boat, the H F Bailey can be found in the RNLI's Henry Blogg Museum, situated on the seafront next to the No 2 Lifeboat House. For details of opening times, etc. please go to the RNLI's official site.
Cromer's No 1 Lifeboat House can be found on the end of the pier. It was re-built in 1999 replacing a smaller building, which was moved to Southwold in Suffolk. It is open for viewing most days together with the small RNLI shop.
For details of opening times, etc. please go to the RNLI's official site.