It's a sign of summer like cricket and sizzling barbecues - the famous red and yellow flags hoisted on Queensland beaches.

As thousands of volunteer lifesavers go on patrol from Saturday, beachgoers have been called on to play their part by being responsible and staying safe over the summer months.

Surf Life Saving Queensland chief operations officer George Hill said simple rules such as swimming between the flags and following the advice of lifeguards and lifesavers will prevent tragedies.

Nearly 800 rescues were made on Gold Coast beaches alone last summer, with five people drowning.

'As far as we're concerned, five deaths on the Gold Coast is five too many,' Mr Hill said.

'Ultimately our goal is zero preventable deaths in Queensland waters, however there has already been a beach-related drowning on the Gold Coast.

'We will move forward into the new season with increased aerial patrols, daily watercraft patrols, dawn patrols and weekend beach patrols to ensure a safe experience for all beachgoers.'

The surf lifesavers will be on patrol every weekend and public holiday from Saturday until Monday, May 6.

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Surf lifesavers return to Qld beaches