California boy swept away by monster waves, 16-year-old lifeguard jumps to rescue

A 10-year-old boy was swept into rough surf at Seabright Beach in California before a 16-year-old lifeguard and others brought him back to shore.A 16-year-old lifeguard saved a boy hit by strong waves at a California beach. (Photo: X)A 16-year-old lifeguard is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a young boy who was swept into the ocean by towering waves at a California beach. The dramatic rescue, captured on video, has since spread widely across social media.The teenager's bravery has garnered much praise, including from Eric Trump, who called for him to receive the "highest civilian honor."According to a report by NBC, the incident unfolded on Saturday at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, when unusually powerful waves caught beachgoers off guard.The viral video, filmed by Scott Vander Dussen, shows the young boy, believed to be around 10 years old, struggling against the rough surf after being pulled into the water by the crashing waves. As wave after wave slammed into him, people on the shore watched in horror, fearing the worst. "It caught a lot of people off-guard," Vander Dussen told NBC. "Unfortunately, this young man was overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment's time."Within seconds, a 16-year-old lifeguard sprang into action. The teenager plunged into the turbulent water and fought through the heavy surf to reach the struggling child. The video captures the tense rescue as the lifeguard battled the waves before finally managing to bring the boy closer to shore. Watch the clip:According to NBC, other beachgoers and a second lifeguard quickly joined the effort. Together, they helped carry the exhausted boy safely back onto the beach, where relieved onlookers watched the rescue come to a successful end.The dramatic footage has spread widely across social media, with many users hailing the teenage lifeguard's courage and presence of mind in an extremely dangerous situation.Among those reacting to the video was Eric Trump, who reshared the clip on X and praised the young rescuer."Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!" he wrote.For many viewers, the viral video is a reminder of both the unpredictable power of the ocean and the life-saving role trained lifeguards play when seconds can mean the difference between life and death.- EndsPublished By: Srimoyee ChowdhuryPublished On: Jul 28, 2026 08:48 IST