Human remains have been found during the search for a swimmer missing off Cape Woolamai at Phillip Island.

A 28-year-old man was spotted by surfers in trouble about 5.30pm on Christmas Day, but quickly disappeared from sight.

A search for the man resumed on Tuesday and police said human remains were found during the afternoon.

It comes as a 22-year-old man died at a New South Wales beach near the Queensland border on Christmas Day and a Victorian father died at a Great Ocean Road beach last week.

Life Saving Victoria issued a plea to beachgoers to swim between the red and yellow flags over the summer and said extra lifeguards would be on patrol through to New Years.

Surf Life Saving NSW said on Tuesday it was concerned about the rising number of coastal drownings in the state after the tragedy that claimed a man’s life on the Queensland border.

Police said a group of eight people, believed to be tourists, got into trouble in waters at Tweed Heads about 4.45pm on Monday. A 22-year-old man was pulled from the water unconscious and could not be revived.

The other seven people were treated at the scene and taken to hospital. Police were continuing to investigate the drowning and could prepare a report for the coroner.

“The incident is a timely reminder for swimmers to make safety the priority when in, on or around the water this summer,” NSW police said in a statement.

The chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW, Steven Pearce, said it was the 17th coastal drowning in the state since July.

“The lifeguards and lifesavers involved all put in a heroic effort to save this young man’s life, but unfortunately were unable to do so,” he said. “This tragedy reinforces why we are so determined to ensure that our safety messages are heard and understood.”