Image: Channel 9

Emergency services have suspended the search for a man who disappeared at a beach on the state’s north coast while swimming with relatives, two of whom drowned.

The search for a 28-year-old man was halted at about 6pm yesterday due to wild surf conditions and a lack of light at Moonee Beach, north of Coffs Harbour.

Police say a group of six people from Sydney got into trouble while swimming at the unpatrolled beach and ended up 300 metres offshore.

Two men, aged 35 and 45, were dragged from the water, but couldn’t be revived.

Two girls, aged 15 and 17, and a 15-year-old-boy were rescued.

@slsnsw Volunteers are back on the water at #MooneeBeach searching for a missing person after tragic double drowning and mass rescue last night. @SLSAustralia @Lifesaverhelo 📸 @abcsydney pic.twitter.com/1WuJb3dOMK

— Surf Life Saving NSW (@slsnsw) December 17, 2018

It’s understood the six are related and were holidaying in the area.

#SEARCH: Sydney’s specialist search and rescue helicopter, #Lifesaver21, is heading to Moonee Beach, #CoffsHarbour to assist @nswpolice, @slsnsw, @MarineRescueNSW in the search for a missing man in the surf. @coffsharbour @coffs_advocate #searchandrescue #yourhelicopter

— Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters (@Lifesaverhelo) December 17, 2018

Steven Leahy from the Westpac Rescue Chopper says this accident is tragically one that could have been avoided and is urging people to take care in the water over the festive season.

“We need to keep an eye on what we do,” he tells Luke Grant.

Mr Leahy is reminding people to only swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags, as well as wear life jackets while rock fishing.

Click PLAY below to hear from Steven Leahy