Search for missing NSW swimmer scaled back

The search for a swimmer who went missing off a beach in the NSW Hunter region on Friday afternoon has been scaled back amid deteriorating visibility and conditions.

Several rescue boats are still combing waters off Bennetts Beach in Hawks Nest for the 20-year-old, but helicopter crews and life savers are being stood down for the day.

The man, believed to be from Sydney, went missing about 4pm Friday after becoming caught in a rip in rough conditions and being pulled under the water.

One man swimming with the 20-year-old managed to return to shore safely, while two others were rescued by life savers patrolling a nearby beach.

A large-scale search was sparked when the man could not be found.

The search effort continued well into Friday night and spanned all day Saturday before the weather and water conditions started to rapidly decline at about 4pm.

The search is expected to resume at first light on Sunday morning.