Detectives have found a man's personal belongings and his vehicle after his body was pulled from the water off Caves Beach on Tuesday afternoon.
The body of the man was discovered by lifeguards about 100 metres from the shore at the southern of Caves Beach around 3.30pm.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to the scene where the body had been recovered by Marine Area Command.
An inspector attached to the Lake Macquarie Police District said the body of a man of medium build with short light-brown hair had been discovered without clothing or identification.
NSW Police were on Tuesday seeking public assistance to identify the man.
Initial inquiries suggest the man attended the unpatrolled northern end of the beach for a swim earlier that day, Police said.
The man has yet to be formally identified.
The body was expected to undergo a post-mortem examination and a report will be prepared for the Coroner, which would reveal the cause of the man's death, police said.
Residents who may be able to identify the man, or who may have information with regard to the incident, have been urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
