A 18-year-old man has died after being swept away in flood-affected waters north of Townsville in north Queensland.

Emergency services were called to Big Crystal Creek just after 4:00pm (AEST) on Sunday.

A rescue helicopter was sent to the popular picnic and swimming spot, along with swift-water rescue crews.

Police said the 18-year-old from Bushland Beach was swimming with friends before he was carried away by fast-moving floodwaters.

Dane Bracey was later found submerged downstream and pulled from the water.

Police officers commenced CPR until paramedics arrived, but he could not be saved.

His parents have paid tribute to their much-loved son on social media, describing the teen as "beautiful, kind and wonderful".

"Today a part of my soul and all of my heart has broken into a thousand pieces — I don't know how I'm going to get through this," the post said.

The area received about 253 millimetres of rain in the 24 hours to 9:00am Sunday, brought on by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Owen passing through on Sunday morning.

Halifax, east of Ingham, recorded 681 millimetres in the same time period.

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.