An Irish student is reportedly in a serious condition after being rescued from the water in the US.

Local media in Ocean City, Maryland is reporting that the 22-year-old J1 student was part of a group of four that got in to difficulty during an early morning swim yesterday.

One of the swimmers reportedly managed to make it to shore and raise the alarm at about 6.30am local time.

The fire department was called to assist and rescue swimmers helped two of the group out of the water.

However, a fourth person began suffering apparent cardiac arrest during the rescue.

The Irish student 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.