Search efforts for a missing swimmer at Lake Wainamu near Bethells Beach will continue today, with the Police National Dive Squad called in to help.

Police were contacted at 6.10pm yesterday after a 23-year-old man got into difficulty and did not resurface.

Waitematā West Area response manager, Senior Sergeant Jon Winthrop, said the man had “been in waist-deep water with three friends at the time”.

“He has taken a few more steps before falling into a hole and has not resurfaced.”

Police used the eagle helicopter to search for the swimmer last night.

The search was assisted by five lifeguards from the Bethells Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

“Unfortunately, the swimmer remains unaccounted for.”

Winthrop said the Police National Dive Squad will be deployed to Lake Wainamu today.

“Our efforts are focused on locating the swimmer, and this will continue across the day.

“We acknowledge the support of all agencies that have been involved so far.

“I know the swimmer’s friends are quite shaken up by the events that unfolded very quickly last night, and we are ensuring there is support in place for them.”