Search for boy missing off Central Coast beach to resume on Christmas Day

A large-scale search for a teenage boy missing off a popular Central Coast beach has been called off until Wednesday morning.

Emergency services launched the sea and air search at about 3pm on Tuesday after reports a 15-year-old boy had been swept off a rock shelf at North Avoca Beach.

A search is under way for a 15-year-old boy swept off a rock shelf at North Avoca Beach on Tuesday.Credit: Nine News

NSW Police, along with NSW Ambulance, local surf lifesavers and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, were involved in the search, which was called off after 7pm. It will resume on Christmas morning.

Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce urged beachgoers to take care over the festive period.

“We want everyone to return to their families and to do that we plead with you to please think before you take risks,” Pearce said, adding that lifesavers had responded to several major incidents on Christmas Eve.

“We’re already seeing these major incidents come through which are devastating for many families at this time of year.”

Pearce said 17 people had drowned on the NSW coast since July 1 this year.

“Please stop, look and stay alive,” he said.

Central Coast councillor Jared Wright said the “thoughts of our community are with the young man and his family during this difficult time”.

“For those visiting our beaches across the summer and particularly over the holiday period, please remember to be safe in and around the water. Swim between the flags, swim with a friend where you can and always let someone else know where you are going,” he said.

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