The search continues through Sunday for a person missing in the water on Mount Maunganui Beach.

The search for the missing swimmer will continue today until it is too dark, police confirmed.

If unsuccessful, search teams will return tomorrow morning in hopes of finding the missing swimmer on Mount Maunganui.

Earlier in the day, a rescue helicopter joined the search for a person who police say appeared to have disappeared into the water in front of Marine Parade, on Mount Maunganui.

Police received a report at around 10:35 a.m. of a person missing in the water, a police spokeswoman said.

“Police are on the scene with Surf Life Saving and Search and Rescue, and a rescue helicopter has been dispatched to assist with the search.”

Search teams could be seen in the water, including four inflatable rescue boats, coastguards and members of surfers saving lives on jet skis.

The rescue helicopter could be seen searching the water around Motuotau Island and flying low along the stretch of beach from Shark Alley to Tay St.

Police say they are supporting the missing man’s family as the search continues.

Some bathers were unaware the search was underway until they noticed the large presence of lifesaving surfing members up and down the beach. A couple, who were walking their dog in the area, were saddened to hear that a person had disappeared into the water.

More to come.