DUE to staff shortages, lifeguards will be on duty only at a few of the island's major beaches this weekend.

The Department of Parks will only open lifeguard towers at Horseshoe Bay and John Smith's Bay with reserves able to work at Clearwater Beach and Turtle Bay.

A spokesman said that starting Monday, only the lifeguard tower at Horseshoe Bay will be opened for duty.

Because of a rise in the surf, the Department has erected warning signs at beaches to alert the public to use caution when swimming or snorkelling.