Police scale back search for teenager swept off the rocks on NSW Central Coast

The search for a teenager who was swept into the ocean on the NSW Central Coast has been scaled back.

NSW Police confirmed today that the search for Luca Bennett had tragically become a "recovery mission".

Bennett was one of three boys swept off the rocks by a wave at 2.40pm at North Avoca Beach on Christmas Eve.

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NSW Police Inspector Ben Campbell said two of the boys managed to make it back to shore and raised the alarm with lifeguards who immediately started to search for the 15-year-old.

They were unable to find him and called emergency services at about 3.10pm.

A search was quickly conducted but it had to be suspended due to darkness.

Campbell said the conditions had been tough for lifeguards, with a strong wind and rough swell hindering efforts.

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The search was scaled down at dark but resumed at about 5.45am on Christmas Day, involving Brisbane Water Police District, with the assistance of the Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

In a statement, the teenager's heartbroken family said they had "lost our darling beloved Luca J".

"Everyone is doing the best they can to search for him and bring him home to us," the statement said.

"We are so grateful. He was the most perfect son and we can't believe it's real."

The incident sparked a warning from Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce, who urged Australians to be careful in the water this Christmas.

"We want everyone to return to their families and to do that we plead with you to please think before you take risks," he said.

"We're already seeing these major incidents come through which are devastating for many families at this time of year."

Campbell confirmed the boy's family had been contacted.

"It's a very tragic incident," he said.

"It's a timely reminder of how dangerous the rocks can be around the ocean."

Since July 1, there have been 17 recorded coastal drownings.

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