A man is missing off Stockton Beach, police say.
Emergency services were called to the beach at about 3pm on Sunday, after reports that a number of swimmers were in difficulty.
"Three swimmers were rescued from the water, however one man could not be located," a police statement said.
"One of the swimmers was taken to hospital as a precaution, and the other two were not injured."
Port Stephens-Hunter police and surf lifesavers were "continuing to search the water for the missing man".
Residents said the incident didn't appear to be on the south end of the beach, but further north towards the dunes.
