Heavy surf hampers search for missing swimmer on Sunshine Coast

Treacherous surf conditions are hampering the search for a young man missing on the Sunshine Coast.

It's believed a rip may have dragged the 19-year-old out to sea, as he swam with a friend at Noosa North Shore yesterday afternoon.

Today's search will involve water police, a helicopter and lifeguards in jet boats and on jet skis, but conditions remain very challenging.

"A member of the public reported ... seeing the man go into the water and lost sight of him," lifeguard Peter Lucas has told ABC radio.

"The swells, they are still very big and it's still very treacherous in the water."