An influx of tourists on Gold Coast beaches is stretching lifesavers to capacity for the duration of the Commonwealth Games, with a seven-fold increase in rescues reported over Easter.

Gold Coast Surf Life Saving co-ordinator Nathan Fife said local surf clubs had been preparing for two years for the increase in tourist numbers during the Games.

Surf lifesavers Lee-Anne Nelson and John Taylor are among the 3500 patrolling Gold Coast beaches. Credit:Daniel McCormack

“This time last year over Easter we had five rescues and this time this year we had 35,” he said.

“If anyone is out and about and you do see tourists swimming outside of those controlled areas please do go up and tell them the safest spot is between those red and yellow flags.”