A teenage boy is missing off a beach in Victoria's southeast, prompting a large-scale search. The boy was swimming in the rough surf at Number Four beach in Venus Bay, South Gippsland, when emergency services were alerted to his disappearance around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Police, along with a police helicopter, water police, coast guard, and members of the public, are searching for the boy. The Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club was hosting championships at the time, and several competitors joined the search effort. The beach is known for its rough seas and strong winds, and was packed with thousands of people on Sunday. It's unclear whether the boy was swept out to sea, as police are also searching the sand and surrounding area. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of swimming in unpatrolled waters. While Life Saving Victoria encourages people to swim between red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches, the boy was swimming outside of these marked areas. The search continues, and more details will be provided as they become available. This is a developing story, and our Breaking News Alert will keep you updated on any significant developments.
