The search for a teenager missing off Victoria's south-west coast will continue into its third day today.
Emergency services yesterday said a "freak wave" washed over two boys, aged 14 and 15 years old, as they explored rock pools near the blowholes at Cape Bridgewater on Tuesday.
The pair were swept out to sea, and while the 15-year-old managed to return to shore and raise the alarm around 7pm that night, the search continues for the second teenager.
Civilians, SES, police, Air Ambulance, and Life Saving Victoria have been looking for the boys since Tuesday night.
Police told a press conference the search had been challenging due to large waves.
Cape Bridgewater resident Val Golding said she was distressed by the boy's disappearance.
"I think any accident that happens like that is an awful thing, especially at this time of the year," Ms Golding said.
"It's [the blowholes area] very rough, it's very spectacular, but very rough even on a quiet day."
Both teenagers are local to the region and their families have been assisting in search efforts.
Victoria Police yesterday said rescuers hadn't given up hope, and still were treating the operation as a search and rescue.
Officers returned to the popular spot this morning to continue searching with help from the SES.
A water search was expected to restart from 11am.