Search underway for missing swimmer in Cromwell

A search is underway for a swimmer who went missing in Cromwell in Central Otago this afternoon.

Police said they were notified that a swimmer had failed to surface during a swim at Deadman's Point in Cromwell about 4pm.

A search is underway in the area involving police and Coastguard.

The area has been closed to boats and police have asked members of the public to avoid travelling to the area while the search continued.