Search under way after woman disappears into water on NSW coast

Emergency services were called to Shortland Esplanade at Newcastle Beach in Newcastle around 4.35am today following reports of a missing swimmer.

Police were told an unknown woman had entered the water about 10 minutes earlier and had not returned to the shore.

Police officers, Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue and a Westpac Rescue helicopter have been engaged in a multi-agency search for the missing woman.

She was last seen wearing a pink top, black pants and no shoes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.