This is the dramatic moment two drowning tourists were rescued at a popular surfing spot in the Philippines.

The holidaymakers were enjoying the water when a riptide reportedly pulled them to a deeper part of the beach in Baler, Aurora province on March 2.

As the two called for help, kind locals quickly swam towards them and were able to reach the drowning tourists on time.

Surf instructor Manuel Ontong Jr. said: 'Actually, the weather that time was fine. They were pulled away by rip currents. Fortunately, there were people around who were quick to help.'

They were taken to a clinic on a nearby resort where they were given first aid treatment. No one was reported hurt in the incident.

Rip currents are strong and narrow streams of water that move directly away from the shore, usually caused when an underwater bar of sand suddenly breaks. Lifeguards advise anyone caught in a rip tide to go with the flow instead of using energy to try and swim against the ocean.