A large‑scale search is underway along Sunshine Coast beaches after a teenage surf lifesaver went missing.

Police and emergency services were called to the beach on Pacific Blvd at Buddina Beach about 4.15pm on Wednesday after the teenager failed to return to shore.

Initial efforts continued for more than five hours before being called off about 9pm, and resumed again on Thursday.

The search involves PolAir, a helicopter, jet skis, inflatable dinghies, a police boat, Coastguard vessels, and the LifeFlight rescue helicopter, covering an area from Mooloolaba Spit to south of Kawana.

Surf lifesavers are also assisting in the ongoing search.

“About 4.15pm yesterday afternoon a young male person entered the water at Warrana and did not return,” said Sunshine Coast District Central Patrol Group Chief Inspector Jason Overland.

“The search and rescue operation continued well into the night and has resumed at first light again this morning in an effort to try and find this person.

“At this point there’s been no recovery of that person and our thoughts are with the family of that young man.”

The search area spans from Mooloolaba Spit to south of Kawana.The search area spans from Mooloolaba Spit to south of Kawana.The search area spans from Mooloolaba Spit to south of Kawana. Credit: 7NEWS
Local surf lifesavers are joining the large-scale search for the missing man. Local surf lifesavers are joining the large-scale search for the missing man. Local surf lifesavers are joining the large-scale search for the missing man. Credit: 7NEWS

Initial efforts continued for more than five hours before being called off about 9pm, and resumed again on Thursday.

Officers said conditions were “pretty rough” and emphasised the search would continue “until we get a resolution”.

Police said the swimmer was believed to have entered the water alone.

“Yesterday afternoon, shortly before a training session was about to commence, the alert was raised both to QPS and to our membership that a member was missing,” said Surf Life Saving Queensland chief operating officer Gregory Cahill.

“From that point, we focused all of our resources on the search and rescue efforts. We continue to focus on supporting the family and our community as we go forward.

“These things, hit home very, very hard. We do this every day and every week across our state, very, very proudly.

“But when it’s one of our own, it hits home very hard.”

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.