Search underway for missing swimmer off Pippi Beach, Yamba

A search operation is underway for a missing swimmer in turbulent seas at Yamba.

Authorities are responding to reports of a missing swimmer at Pippi Beach, Yamba on Monday afternoon.

Around 1pm police received a report from a member of the public that there was a swimmer in distress caught in the rough seas.

Far North Coast Surf Life Saving Branch Duty Officer, Chris Samuels spoke with The Grafton Daily Examiner.

“Following on from the call at approximately 1pm today we have tasked the Yamba Surf Life Saving Support Operations Group and the local Duty Officer to assist police with the search for a missing swimmer,” he said.

The operation comes after three rescues of tourists at Yamba Main Beach on Saturday.

Following the rescues the decision was made to move the annual Ocean Swim and to close the Yamba beaches.

All beaches up and down the coast are closed due to the hazardous and dangerous conditions created by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth.

The cyclone is forecast to move south over the coming days, bringing with it a barrage of rain, coastal erosion and potentially damaging winds.

All beaches on the Far North Coast are closed on Monday and a Hazardous Surf Warning has been issued.