LIfeguards beside ute as helicopter flies overhead over water

The search for an 18-year-old lifesaver who disappeared after going into the water before a training session is continuing for a second day. (ABC News: Janel Shorthouse)

An 18-year-old who disappeared after heading into the ocean on the Sunshine Coast has been confirmed as a young surf lifesaver who has now been missing for almost 24 hours in rough surf.

Police and Surf Life Saving Queensland said the teenager entered the water at Buddina Beach about 4:15pm yesterday, just before a lifesaving training session.

The alarm was raised when he failed to return, setting off a major search-and-rescue operation until after 9pm.

helicopter and searchers at beach

An extensive search for the 18-year-old swimmer has involved dozens of police and lifesavers.  (ABC Sunshine Coast: Josh Dye)

The search resumed at first light today, with jetskis, dinghies, police divers, the LifeFlight rescue helicopter, Polair and Coastguard all taking part.

The search area stretches from Point Cartwright to south of Kawana, with rough surf conditions a challenge for authorities.

Surf Life Saving Queensland chief operating officer Gregory Cahill said lifesaving volunteers along with lifeguards both on duty and off have all come to support the search for their colleague.

group on beach with jetski in water

Friends and loved ones have joined the search for the young man.  (ABC Sunshine Coast: Josh Dye)

“We’re very proud of everything that could be done in that situation,” Mr Cahill said.

“Surf lifesaving is a really tight-knit community, so it’s a really sad day today.

“These things hit home very, very hard.

“We do this every day, and every week across the state, but when it’s one of our own, we find it very hard.

“We’re focusing our support efforts on the family and across our membership.”

Man standing in front of tree and garden

Gregory Cahill says searches are hard when it is one of your own. (ABC News: Josh Dye)

Chief Inspector Jason Overland said the work to find the young man would go on “until we get a resolution”, despite the rough conditions.

“There’s been no recovery of that person and our thoughts are with the family of that young man,” he said.

“We’re working closely with the family to support them.”

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Drones are being used as part of a major search operation after a swimmer disappeared from a Sunshine Coast beach. (ABC News: Josh Dye)