An 18-year-old man has died after being caught in a rip on the NSW central coast.

The man was swimming at Bateau Bay at about 4pm (AEDT) on Thursday when he was caught in the rip, police said.

He was spotted in the water by a helicopter crew and a rescue effort involving police, ambulance officers and local surf life saving guards was launched.

The man was found in the water but rescuers were unable to revive him.

Inquiries continue and police will prepare a report for the coroner.