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Emergency services were called to Woolgoolga Beach, 30km north of Coffs Harbour, after receiving reports a swimmer had disappeared shortly after 3.30pm yesterday (Thursday, February 7, 2019).

Witnesses told police a 27-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman got into difficulties after entering the surf. Bystanders assisted the woman to safety; however, the man could not be found.

Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District attended and commenced a search for the man, assisted by Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Surf Lifesavers, Marine Rescue and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

The same resources are being deployed today assisted by PolAir and a SLSC drone. SES volunteers will also be assisting.

The man has been described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance and was wearing blue boardshorts.

Yesterday, Woolgoolga SLSC president and SLS North Coast Duty Officer Les Pepper was one of the first on the scene with a jetski, “conditions weren't too bad this afternoon, with a two-to-three foot swell and a moderate wind,” Mr Pepper said.

“It appears that the swimmers have just unfortunately walked straight from the carpark to the water where there is a strong rip and it has brought them unstuck.”