During the 19th century, the RNLI's first safety advice was the provision of barometers at stations so sea farers could make a judgement on the sea conditions likely to be encountered on their passages - a new addition to Tenby Lifeboat Station's website brings that age-old service full circle.

The Sea Safety advice offered today is a lot more sophisticated, but checking the weather remains one of the most important of the RNLI's top six safety tips.

However, even with all the maritime weather forecasts at our finger tips via radio broadcasts and internet sites, local sailors still want to see what actual weather we are experiencing in Carmarthen Bay before making plans for a trip out.

So, incorporated into the new look website, designed and built by crew member Ben James, is a page giving readings from a mini weather station sited near the lifeboat house. Visiting the website's new Sea Safety page takes you to a link that enables you to view current wind strength and direction, air temperate, humidity, rainfall and pressure.

The funding for this new facility has all come from local donations, including a future event by Tenby Aces Cycling Club and a significant contribution from Tenby Sailing Club.

TSC secretary Blake Shaw commented: "For our members and all sea users, this is a very useful facility. Local conditions can vary from those forecast, so it's handy to see what is actually happening before making plans for a trip out, especially if you have to travel to Tenby from a few miles inland where wind strength and direction can be quite different."

Station mechanic Stephen Lowe also pointed out that with the sophistication of today's mobile 'phones many sea users would also be able to keep an eye on how the weather is changing during their trip.

"There is even an iPhone app which enables you to link straight to the information, but part of our RNLI Sea Safety Team's advice remains that you check forecasts before heading out and reminds sea users to monitor their VHF radios for weather warnings from the coastguard."

The Weather Check and Sea Safety advice can be found at http://www.tenbyrnli.co.uk/sea_safety.asp">www.tenbyrnli.co.uk/sea_safety.asp