An extensive search has been launched after a teenage boy was swept off rocks and fell into the sea at a popular beach.
Emergency services were called to Avoca Beach, on the NSW central coast, to reports a group of teenage boys had been dragged into the water about 3.10pm on Tuesday.
One boy in the group, 15, failed to resurface, leading to two helicopters being launched to search the water near a rock plateau at the north end of the beach.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said a volunteer search party was formed just after 4.30pm and a rescue vessel was deployed.
“Terrigal 30 has encountered a NSW Water Police vessel at The Skillion and is now conducting search patterns under the direction of the NSW Police Marine Area Command,” he said.
However, Inspector Raymond added that the water was choppy and had a swell of 8 to 10 feet, making the search effort more difficult.
Rescue helicopters have been launched in search of a teenage boy believed to have been swept away from Avoca Beach on Tuesday (pictured)
NSW Police, Marine Rescue and Surf LifeSaving NSW have all joined the search (pictured), which is hampered by choppy conditions with waves of up to 3 meters
Surf LifeSaving NSW has also joined the search, using jet skis and drones to cover as much water as possible.
The desperate search prompted a warning from Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce, who urged Australians to be weary in the waters this festive season.
“We want everyone to return to their families and to do that, we ask you to think before taking risks,” he said. Nine news reported.
“We’re seeing all these major incidents happening now that are devastating for a lot of families at this time of year.”
There’s more to come.