A father and son were rescued after their jet ski broke down in an alligator-infested lake.

The pair of holidaymakers were left stranded on Lake Thonotosassa in Florida on Wednesday, June 25, prompting them to call the emergnecy services.

Reports said the distressed duo had seen alligators surfacing nearby around 10 minutes before deputies from Hillsborough County arrived.

Footage shows the family members getting off the jet ski and boarding the patrol boat with the assistance of emergency responders.

Police said: 'Our deputies responded quickly and brought both them and their jet ski safely back to shore. No matter the situation, team HCSO is here to help keep you safe on and off the water.'

It remains unclear what caused the jet ski to malfunction on the lake.

Florida has a huge wild alligator population estimated to be as many as 1.3 million. They live in rivers, swamps, ponds, and lakes and often appear in front of humans.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found that female alligators typically do not grow beyond 10ft, while males can reach even larger sizes. The state record stands at 14ft 3.5 inches.