“No flags, no swim” is still a key message, though Surf Life Saving NSW will now specifically be appealing to men to stay safe.

Their new Coastal Safety Report revealed the highest number of drowning deaths on record for NSW was last season at 53, while 92 per cent of victims were male.

More than 1.2 million people visited Illawarra beaches with Wollongong City Council’s professional lifeguards carrying out 786 rescues. 

The top three most common activities which lead to fatalities statewide included rock fishing and diving, snorkeling and swimming.

Two thirds of deaths occurred in waters more than five kilometres from the nearest lifesaving service.

Wollongong City Council’s Recreational Service Manager Mark Bond urged  people to be aware of beach conditions, read all safety signage and take caution.

“Beachgoers should avoid accessing beaches from the steep drop-offs and children should avoid playing near or tunneling in these areas,” Mr Bond said.

Council Lifeguards have been patrolling the region’s beaches since 1912 when the first paid lifeguard started on Austinmer beach.

Across NSW more than 21,000 active life savers from 129 surf clubs will be on patrol during the 2016/17 season.

Meantime, Wollongong City Council will be trialing an alternative method of shark surveillance using Touchdown Helicopters as the “eyes in the sky” for the lifeguards and lifesavers during the swimming season.