```python
from typing import *
from collections import *

def tide_marks(levels: List[int]) -> List[int]:
    """
    Find the positions of local peaks in a list of water levels.
    
    A local peak is defined as a position where the level is strictly greater
    than the level immediately before it and the level immediately after it.
    The first and last positions are never peaks.
    
    Parameters:
    levels (List[int]): A list of integers representing water levels.

    Returns:
    List[int]: A list of positions where local peaks are found, in increasing order.
    """
    if not levels or len(levels) < 3:
        return []

    peaks = []
    for i in range(1, len(levels) - 1):
        if levels[i] > levels[i - 1] and levels[i] > levels[i + 1]:
            peaks.append(i)
    return peaks
```