The search for a missing teenager who vanished in waters off NSW’s Central Coast on Christmas Eve has now become a recovery effort.

Luca Bennett, 15, was playing with two other friends on rocks at North Avoca Beach when they were swept into the water just before 3pm on Tuesday.

Two of the teens managed to get to shore safely however Bennett did not, with his friends alerting nearby lifeguards.

A multi-agency search for the teenager commenced with the help of the Brisbane Water Police District, Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue NSW and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

The search resumed on Christmas Day, with emergency services crews seen searching near rocks and in the water on jet skis.

The NSW Police Airwing was also seen circling the area.

On Thursday morning, police said the search has entered the recovery stage on expert advice and will be scaled back as there is still no sign of the teenager.

Despite Bennett not being found, tributes have popped up on social media for the talented young basketball player, who travelled to the US last year for a basketball camp.

“Man I just saw you last week, it breaks my heart so much, 2025 was gonna big,” one friend wrote.

“Had I known last week would be the last time I see you I would’ve embraced you.

“My brother, I will see you again. I love you, I’ll always be here for your family, no matter what.”

Another wrote: “Miss ya legend”.

On Wednesday Inspector Benjamin Campbell of Brisbane Water Police District described the incident as “tragic”.

“I feel for the family at this time of year,” he said.

“It’s just a timely reminder of how dangerous the rocks can be around the ocean and how everyone has to be really careful.”

The president of Central Coast branch of Surf Live Saving NSW Slattery said crews were hoping for a positive outcome.

“Our message has been, and always will be, that the flagged locations are the safest place to swim,” he said.

“If you are in need of help, that’s the closest resource that we can get to.”

Anyone with information about the boy’s whereabouts has been urged to contact Brisbane Water Police or Crime Stoppers.