Vic man missing in reservoir

The search continues for a man feared drowned in a reservoir in Central Victoria after a family outing on the water.

The man, aged in his 20s, had been in a boat with three family members on Waranga Basin near Rushworth when the motor failed just after 5pm (AEDT) on Thursday.

Victoria Police spokeswoman Kelly Yates said the man attempted to swim to shore to seek help but turned back.

He disappeared in the water in front of his family on his return to the boat.

"He's jumped into the water to try and get help when the boat has broken down," Ms Yates said.

There is a strong current in the water due to water being pumped in and out of the catchment, police said. A search and rescue operation was launched on Thursday involving police, SES, Coast Guard and Water Police and continued on Friday.

The search will stop overnight and continue on Saturday from 8am (AEDT).