Search for NSW swimmer continues

The search for a missing Sydney swimmer north of Newcastle is continuing with authorities prepared to press on for a fifth day on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old, believed to be from Sydney's north shore, went missing on Friday afternoon when he became caught in a rip off Bennetts Beach in Hawks Nest.

Police resumed their search on Monday morning with helicopters and rescue boats after poor conditions hampered efforts over the weekend.

"The search continued today with no find," a NSW police spokesman told AAP.

Surf Life Saving NSW have been involved in the search since Friday but a spokesman said it has been scaled back.

"Police are leading the search but haven't requested any assistance today," the spokesman told AAP.