A 28-year-old man drowned at Salmon Bay, Ballito, this afternoon.

According to witnesses, the unidentified Shakashead resident was swept out to sea in a rip current at around 2.40pm.

His friend John Francisco (23) was still in shock when the Courier arrived on the scene.

After noticing his friend was in trouble he asked another bather, Michael Kidd (19), for help and Kidd phoned the emergency services.

Netcare, Rapid Care, KwaDukuza Fire and Emergency, SAPS Search and Rescue and the Specialised Rescue Unit were all on the scene to help search the water for the man.

The search for the body has so far been unsuccessful.

Salmon Bay is not a lifeguard protected beach. The closest lifeguards are stationed at Clarke Bay.