Search continues for swimmer fleeing cops

A homeless man is still missing two days after he ran into waters off the Sunshine Coast fleeing a return to prison warrant.

Queensland officers were trying to arrest Ricky Gardner when he ran into the water and began swimming away from the shore at Noosa in the early hours of Saturday.

Gardner still hadn't been found as of Monday afternoon despite an extensive search of waters in the area, Sunshine Coast District Officer Superintendent Darryl Johnson said.

He said surf lifesavers, water police and aerial resources had been used to try to find him before a "thorough" water search was suspended late Saturday.

Police will now focus on land efforts to try to figure out if Gardner is still alive.

"Our primary objective is ... to ensure that he's alive and safe," Supt Johnson said.

He said the 37-year-old was wanted on a number of warrants, including one to return to prison, which is likely why he fled police.

But Supt Johnson said the man, whom officers lost sight of about 80 metres from shore, was not considered dangerous or a risk to the community.

Gardner has been described as Caucasian, about 178cm tall, with a slim build and light complexion.