Heartstopping moment brave lifeguard, 16, fights monster waves to save drowning boy as hero set for top civilian award

THIS is the dramatic moment a hero lifeguard – aged just 16 – raced to rescue a drowning boy in California. Footage shows powerful waves bashing the youngster at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz as the teenager, named by local media as Ryder, holds on to him, without thinking of his own life. The lifeguard gripping on to the boy Credit: tiktok/ cajonpassfreeway15 People tried to form a human chain to pull them out Credit: tiktok/ cajonpassfreeway15 The two battle to stay above water as the current drags them further in, but the teen remains steadfast. Wave after wave, he strategically gulps air before ducking beneath each crashing breaker to ensure that they are not swallowed away. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Multiple bystanders attempt to help Ryder – first forming a human chain to pull them out – but the waves pummel them down and they are forced to abandon the mission. A second lifeguard enters the monstrous churn and eventually the pair drag the youngster back to the beach. Those who tried to rescue them were also pummelled by the waves Credit: tiktok/ cajonpassfreeway15 A second lifeguard jumps in to help Credit: tiktok/ cajonpassfreeway15 Donald Trump’s son, Eric, shared the video on X, describing the lifeguard’s bravery as “truly the best of America.” “Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honour. Well done,” he added. Witnesses hailed the rescue as one of the most heroic they had ever seen. Ryder’s mother thanked supporters for the outpouring of praise, saying her son was simply doing what he loves. Most read in The Sun She said: “I am blown away by the love, kindness, gratitude and respect you’re sending his way.” Witness Scott Vander Dussen told NBC Bay Area that the waves changed “in a heartbeat” and caught a lot of people off-guard. “The waves, I wouldn’t say they were tranquil, but they were what you’d expect, a normal cadence and intensity,” he told NBC Bay Area. “And then that just changed in a heartbeat. It caught a lot of people off-guard. “Unfortunately, this young man was overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment’s time. “I’m glad it ended the way it did. I’m certain if the lifeguards weren’t there, he wouldn’t have gone home that night.” The child was evaluated by paramedics before being reunited with his parents. Comment now