Two people have been rescued from the roof of a campervan in County Kerry after they woke to find the tide pouring in around them.

Kilrush RNLI said the pair woke to find their van partially submerged at Carrig Island in the early hours of this morning.

The Kilrush crew arrived just before 5:30am and found that they had made their way to roof "as the tides continued to rise around them."

They were helped off the roof by Gardaí and the Kerry Fire Service to an awaiting ambulance.

Kilrush RNLI spokesperson Charlie Glynn said: "We ask that people respect the water and check the time and height of tide before venturing out - and also be aware of your surroundings and the tide’s direction.

"Tides have a reputation for being unpredictable but really they follow a timetable more reliable than most trains.

"A shoreline can be a vast playground but the tide can come in surprisingly quickly.

"Ensure that you have a fully charged mobile phone, or some other means of calling for assistance, in case you get into difficulty."

The pair were rescued minutes before this morning's high tide at 5:40am.