After swimming for a short period of time, Clayton Ingram told his two friends on the bank he needed help, Department of Public Safety trooper Mike Perez reported.
The friends tried to assist him, running down the bank as the river carried him farther away but eventually lost sight of him.
The incident occurred about 6 p.m., Perez said, but law enforcement officials were not notified until about 8 p.m.
Three boats and a DPS chopper from Waco combed the river to no avail. Rescue crews from other communities took part in the search.
