Swimmer reported missing off Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach police and lifeguards resumed their search Saturday for a swimmer in his 50s who was reported missing in strong rip currents.

The lifeguards began their search about 6 a.m. and a Huntington Beach police helicopter is expected to assist in the effort at 8 a.m., said Tim Martin of the Huntington Beach police.

An initial search began at 9:31 p.m. Friday between lifeguard towers 4 and 6, which is around Pacific Coast Highway and First Street, said Huntington Beach police Lt. Kent Ferrin.

"A male was witnessed entering the water and he was witnessed struggling in the water, then he disappeared in the water line,'' Ferrin said.

The rip currents were "super strong'' at the time, he said.

Lifeguards in boats and the police helicopter above searched until 11 p.m. Friday to no avail.

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