The search for a five-year-old boy who was swept into the sea on the NSW Central Coast has turned into a recovery operation.

Police divers have arrived at Pearl Beach, south of Gosford, and several boats are searching the seas for the young boy who has been missing since Thursday afternoon.

The boy, believed to be from the Central Coast but holidaying at the beachside village with his family, was playing on the shore with his siblings when a large wave swept him into the ocean.

A frantic search failed to find the boy on Thursday.

Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings said on Friday the search had turned into a recovery operation.

“We always hold out some hope but my experience tells me that we have been going for some time and unfortunately I think we are in the recovery stage,” the Marine Area Commander told reporters.

“And that is quite tragic and our hearts and thoughts do go out to the family this morning.”

Det Supt Hutchings said the visibility for divers was quite poor and a large swell along the coast was affecting the current.

The boy’s family have arrived on the beach are being comforted by police and counsellors.

Locals from the small coastal community say the tragedy is heartbreaking.

“Pearl Beach is a very special place because it’s a real community even though there is not a lot of permanent residents here,” general store owner Kevin McCunn said.

“It feels like a tragedy for the community.”