Search for missing NSW swimmer a 'recovery operation'

The search for a Sydney teenager feared drowned on the NSW mid-north coast is expected to continue for at least one more day, with police hoping to bring the boy's family some closure.

Ali Mosawi was swept away by a rip while swimming with his brother and three cousins at the unpatrolled Pebbly Beach in the Yuraygir National Park, north of Coffs Harbour, on Saturday afternoon.

The 17-year-old hasn't been seen since and NSW Police Inspector Joanne Reid says the search has now become a recovery operation.

"By day three and four traditionally, you tend to get a body recovery in that time frame, so that's what we're hoping for," she told AAP on Tuesday.

The search operation involving police divers, Surf Life Saving NSW volunteers and drones was suspended at about 2pm on Tuesday because of "tricky" winds but will resume on Wednesday morning, Insp Reid said.

She said they would hopefully be able to bring some closure to the family members and friends who had been keeping vigil on the beach.

"They just want to take their son, their friend, their cousin home," she said.