The study by academics at the University of New South Wales' School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences found 91 per cent of tourist parks in NSW were "closest to surf beaches rated as hazardous to swimmers".

"These stark statistics should be of concern to tourist park operators, beach users and local governments," said study author, Associate Professor Rob Brander.

A hazard rating was given to each beach, based on a formula in the Surf Life Saving Australia, Australian Beach Safety and Management Program, with one being the least hazardous and 10 the most.

The study also found 35 per cent of these beaches were unpatrolled and 61 per cent only partially patrolled.

According to the study, the beaches on the southern NSW coast posed more of a threat than those to the north.

"Visitors to tourist parks in the southern region are possibly more at risk because of the greater number of unpatrolled and hazardous beaches in the area," the study said.

It claims 42 per cent of the beaches near tourist parks in the "southern region" - Cronulla to Eden - were unpatrolled. Also, 38.8 per cent were patrolled less than three months of the year.

Three of the Illawarra tourist parks in the study are owned by Wollongong City Council.

Beaches near Bulli Beach park and Corrimal Beach park are given a hazard ranking of six, while the Windang Beach park scores a seven - the worst rating in the report. However, all three of these beaches are patrolled during the summer months - the peak tourist period.

A council spokeswoman also said education measures were in place at its tourist parks.

"At all three parks there is site-specific signage at all walkways leading to the beach," the spokeswoman said.

"This signage is tailored for each beach and its conditions. The signs point out the area's hazards, and reminds people to always swim between the flags, and when the beach is patrolled."

The spokeswoman also said beach safety flyers in a range of languages were also available and lifeguards periodically checked adjacent unpatrolled beaches through the use of all-terrain vehicles.

"In 2012, Wollongong City Council utilised the same beach rating data and a risk-based methodology created by the University of NSW to assist in a review of its services at our patrolled beaches," the spokeswoman said.

"The series of assessments has seen council provide additional equipment, such as the all-terrain vehicles and jet-skis, as well as an additional 700 staff hours for increased patrolling," the spokeswoman said.