Only one of four beaches that are usually monitored by lifeguards will have coverage from Monday due to staff shortages.

The Department of Parks only has seven staff available at present, compared to the 20 ideally needed to provide coverage at Horseshoe Bay, John Smith's Bay, Clearwater Beach and Turtle Bay.

According to a spokesman, the key problem is that many of the guards have started returning to school. There had been 13 available earlier in the summer.

The shortage was compounded yesterday by the fact that two of the lifeguards were out sick, meaning Clearwater Beach and Turtle Bay were without cover.

"With reserves available to work this weekend the towers at Clearwater Beach and Turtle Bay will be opened this Saturday, August 25, and Sunday, August 26," said the spokesman. "Starting Monday August 27 only the lifeguard tower at Horseshoe Bay will be opened for duty.

"In addition, the surf on the South Shore has been a bit rough during the last few days so the Department of Parks has erected surf warning signs at the south beaches to alert the general public to use caution when swimming or snorkeling."