A teenager feared dead after being swept out to sea while celebrating Schoolies has been identified as the student of a prestigious boys school.

Astin Gerstl was swimming off Little Bay Beach in Arakoon on the NSW Mid North Coast when he began struggling in the water about 4.30pm on Sunday.

Witnesses tried to reach the 18-year-old but he was dragged further out to sea.

Gerstl had been on a one-week trip with friends celebrating the end of his schooling.

The teenager had recently completed his Year 12 exams at The King’s School in Sydney’s west, acting principal Stephen Edwards confirmed in a statement.

“The school is in contact with the family and will continue to provide support, while respecting their request for privacy,” Edwards said.

“As the search continues, I ask that you keep the family in your prayers and hold them in your hearts.”

Astin Gerstl, 18. Credit: The King’s School

The King’s School is a prestigious private school, as well as a boarding school.

The annual tuition fee for students completing Year 12 is $47,000.

Police, along with Marine Area Command officers and Surf Life Saving NSW, responded on Sunday and conducted a search of the area, but were unable to locate the teenager.

Little Bay Beach is a remote beach on the NSW Mid North Coast. Credit: 7NEWS
The Westpac rescue chopper flying above the area in search of the missing teenager. Credit: 7NEWS

The search was called off after an extensive sweep on Monday and resumed at 8am on Tuesday, with crews planning to return to the water on Wednesday.

Marine rescue volunteers have been stood down for Wednesday’s search, while police divers have been sent to the scene.

Little Bay Beach is not patrolled by surf lifesavers and the area’s rocky terrain and cliff faces has made the rescue effort difficult.