AN IRISH J1 student in the United States is in a 'very serious condition' after getting into difficulty during an early morning swim.
The student was one of four swimmers rescued from the surf at North Division Street in Ocean City, Maryland, local news MD Coast Dispatch said.
Shortly before 6.30 on Wednesday morning, Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) dispatched rescue swimmers to the beach for the swimmers in distress.
Upon arrival, the OCFD learned that four swimmers had entered the still-rough ocean and began to struggle.
One of the swimmers made it to the shore and called 911, raising the alarm.
The OCFD crew assisted two swimmers to shore while the last swimmer, a 22-year-old Irish student on a J1 visa, suffered cardiac arrest during the rescue.
The student was brought to shore where CPR was immediately administered, before they were transported to Atlantic General Hospital in a 'very serious condition.'
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has said they are aware of the case and are providing consular assistance.
