16-year-old lifeguard saves boy from rough seas in Santa Cruz

On July 27, 2026, a 16-year-old lifeguard successfully rescued a boy, estimated to be around 10 years old, who had been swept away by rough waves at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California. The dramatic rescue was captured on video by a beachgoer named Scott Vander Dusen, who noted that the powerful waves caught many visitors by surprise, dragging the child away within minutes.

During the incident, the 16-year-old was assisted by other beachgoers and a second lifeguard to ensure the child was brought safely to shore. The video of the rescue went viral, gaining significant attention after it was shared on social media by Eric Trump, the son of U.S. President Donald Trump, who praised the teenager as the "best of America" and called for him to receive the highest civilian honor.

Local authorities emphasize that lifeguards in the Santa Cruz region undergo rigorous training, which includes at least 56 hours of lifeguard instruction, 24 hours of medical certification, and over 80 hours of specialized marine safety training. No further medical updates on the boy were provided in the reports, though the rescue was successful.