Search for swimmer missing off Woolgoolga Beach north of Coffs Harbour

A search is underway for a swimmer missing from a beach north of Coffs Harbour.

A 27-year-old man was swimming with a woman, 21, at Woolgoolga Beach on the NSW mid-north coast when the pair got into trouble.

Bystanders helped get the female to safety, but the man could not be found, witnesses said.

Emergency services were called to the beach just after 3.30pm and officers started a search for the man.

Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District attended are being assisted in the search by the Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Surf Lifesavers, Marine Rescue and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

More to come…