The parents of missing five-year-old Jack Dixon have issued a heartfelt plea for the search to continue almost three-weeks after his disappearance.

Jack was swept out to sea at Mount Maunganui during a king tide on October 1, and despite extensive air, sea and land efforts, the youngster has not been seen since.

Jack Dixon, who has been missing since October 1.

And as the search continues, his parents Karen Spargo and Wayne Dixon have released a new image of the child, who was playing on Shelly Beach when a wave took him.

In a statement released today, his parents say: 'Not a day goes by where we aren't looking for our precious boy Jack, and we miss him terribly, and we'd like to take this opportunity to share with you all our favourite photo of him.

'Thank you once again to all who have, and who continue to support us during this tough time.

'To date, the support from family, friends and the wider community has helped us to survive these last 18 days, and all we ask is that you continue to be there for us, and that you continue to help us try and find our boy.

'Our thoughts are also with the families going through the similar experience as ours right now.”