The search for a swimmer missing off the coast of Raglan overnight resumed at first light this morning with Waikato Police Search and Rescue, Coastguard and members of the local surf club combining to try and find him.

Shift Manager, Senior Sergeant Andrew O'Reilly, of the Waikato District Command Centre says emergency services originally attended the incident about 4.10pm yesterday after reports of a 17-year-old male being swept out to sea.

'The man went out swimming with two others off the beach near Wainui Rd when the trio got into difficulty. The other two people made it to shore but the third man got into difficulty.

'A surfer went to assist the man but was unable to locate him and a member of the public raised the alarm. An extensive search of the coastline and open water was conducted until it became too dark and this resumed about 4.30am today.”

Mr O'Reilly says while the search continues today the public are reminded of the importance of being water wise and with the summer holidays approaching, the importance of respecting waterways and the risks they can pose.

Source: Waikato Police.