About 10:15am on Saturday 16 February 2019, emergency services were called to Lighthouse Beach at Ballina, after reports of a missing swimmer.
Witnesses have told police a 69-year-old man entered the water earlier, but was not seen again.
Officers from Richmond Police District attended and commenced a search for the man, coordinated by the Marine Area Command and assisted by State Emergency Service (SES), NSW Ambulance, Surf Lifesavers, Marine Rescue and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.
The search for the man continues today (Monday 18 February 2019) with resources from the Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue and SLS continuing their efforts along the coastline and beach foreshore.
Investigators have also urged beachgoers for assistance.
Police have released an image of the swim fins used by the man and are seeking assistance from members of the public if any similar item is located on the beach.
It is believed that the yellow and black 'Mad dog' brand fins were being worn by the missing man and that they could be washed ashore on the adjacent coastline.
If a fin, or any other item of interest is located in the area, police investigating the man's disappearance are urging the finder to come forward.
Anyone with information that is relevant to the investigation is urged to contact Ballina police, the Marine Area Command, or Crime Stoppers.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
