Rescuers attempt to save a man last December. He later died.

Isabella Harris of Keiraville stretches in front of the new fence at the notorious Puckeys Beach in Wollongong. Pictures: ADAM McLEAN

New signs warn of the dangers of swimming at Puckeys.

The message is clear - swim at Puckeys Beach and you risk death by drowning.New signs dotted along the length of a recently installed fence at the Wollongong beach don't mince their words.The signs not only warn swimmers of strong currents and submerged objects, they also advise the notorious area has claimed lives before.The signs and fence were installed by Wollongong City Council at Galvin Park, adjacent to the Fairy Creek entrance to the beach, late last month.Access to the stretch of beach north of North Wollongong Beach is now restricted to just two entry points which are flanked by the sternly worded signs.

See a map showing where the new fencing and signs have been installed

View New Puckeys Fence in a larger map

A tragic record: Drownings at Puckeys Beach

Berkeley man, 60, drowns

Warning: it's time to swim - not time to die

Man fights for life after North Wollongong sea rescue

Man dies after Puckeys rescue

Grenfell student drowns at Fairy Meadow BeachThe move follows council's 2010-11 review of risk at the city's beaches.Following the review, council also increased mobile lifeguard surveillance from Fairy Meadow lifeguard tower."This encompasses one additional lifeguard assigned to the Fairy Meadow tower throughout the entire season," a council spokesman said."The additional lifeguard uses a state-of-the-art all terrain vehicle equipped with emergency equipment to patrol [the] area from Fairy Creek to Towradgi Point."The spokesman said the new fencing and increased surveillance of the area surrounding the lagoon would allow council to capture data on people using the area, while also gaining a better understanding of patterns to inform future risk reviews.Council officers are also exploring the possibility of using CCTV in the area.Puckeys Beach is a notorious drowning black spot.Earlier this year North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club veteran lifesaver John Wren renewed calls for the installation of a tower at Stuart Park following the death of Figtree man Paulo Lucchini late last year.The 30-year-old had been swimming at Puckeys Beach with a friend on December 23, 2010, when he struck trouble.Mr Lucchini was revived after he was pulled from the water, but died in Wollongong Hospital on Christmas Day.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

$0/

(min cost $0)

or signup to continue reading

See subscription options

New signs warn of Puckeys hazards

See a map showing where the new fencing and signs have been installed

A tragic record: Drownings at Puckeys Beach

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

Get the latest Wollongong news in your inbox