Dunedin police and Land Search and Rescue teams are scouring the Brighton Beach and Blackhead area after a report of someone entering the water yesterday morning.
Sergeant Richard Panting said the person was described as short-to-medium height, wearing black or dark-coloured clothing, and was seen walking into the water about 10.20am.
He said police had not received a report of a missing person, but would like to talk to anyone who saw such a person entering or exiting the water along the coast yesterday.