An Irish J1 student is believed to be in a serious condition after getting into difficulty while swimming in the US.

Local media is reporting that the fire department was called to assist four swimmers yesterday in Ocean City, Maryland.

The swimmers are believed to have gotten into difficulty during an early morning swim yesterday.

One of the swimmers made it to shore and raised the alarm at approximately 6:30am.

Statement from Ocean City Fire Department on Irish J1 student who got into difficulty swimming yesterday morning. In serious condition pic.twitter.com/a0eTWPwZax

— Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) August 3, 2017

Rescue swimmers helped two more of the people to shore, however a 4th person began suffering apparent cardiac arrest during the rescue.

Reports say the 22-year-old man - who was in the country on a J1 visa - was given CPR and brought to Atlantic General Hospital in a very serious condition.

The Department of Foreign Affairs have said they are aware of the incident and are standing by to provide consular assistance.

There has been rough surf in the area following a storm last weekend.