A search is underway for a missing teenager who police said disappeared while swimming in the Red River.

Tracey McKay said her godson Jeremy Malish David was walking along the banks of the Red River near the Redwood Bridge Tuesday night with a friend and tried to swim across.

When he disappeared, McKay said his friend went in to look for him but was unsuccessful.

"it's unbelievable. I'm in disbelief, shock," McKay said.

The Winnipeg Police Service water rescue and river patrol teams have been searching the area since Tuesday.

Volunteers from the Bear Clan and Drag The Red have also joined the search.

David's family said he wasn't comfortable around the water and it is unusual not to hear from him.