Henk Henn, NSRI Hermanus station commander, said: "At 14h00, Friday, 10th October, NSRI Hermanus volunteer sea rescue duty crew were activated following reports of a child missing after being swept out to sea at Schulphoek, near to the Hermanus Beach Club. "Our NSRI Hermanus volunteer sea rescue duty crew, Overberg Fire and Rescue Services, Law Enforcement, WC Government Health EMS and the SA Police Services responded. "On arrival on-scene it was found that an 8 year old local male child had reportedly been swept out to sea from inside the tidal pool during the incoming tide and disappeared after being swept out to sea. “It is believed that the child was with friends in the tidal pool at the time of the incident which may have happened at around 1 p.m. “The Red Cross AMS Skymed rescue helicopter was activated to assist in an extensive search in very rough sea conditions but despite the extensive air, sea and shore search no sign of the child has been found and the child is missing.  “A Police Dive Unit have been activated to continue an ongoing search operation. “Police have opened an investigation into the incident and Police are assisting the family of the missing child.” NSRI are urging bathers and anglers to be cautious around the coast over this weekend while the full moon spring tide effect, which peaked on Wednesday 8th October, will continue to cause stronger than normal rip currents into the early part of next week.