Be careful around the water as you cool down this long weekend

GOLD COAST locals and tourists planning to cool down at the beach are being reminded to swim between the red and yellow flags.

Beaches are expected to enjoy their busiest weekend so far this Spring, as the long weekend combines with picture perfect conditions.

Temperatures are expected to reach the low 30s by Monday.

Anyone using their backyard pool is also urged to keep a close eye on kids as a large number of drownings of children under the age of 5 are in pools owned by family or friends.