A dramatic rescue played out on a Santa Cruz beach after a child was pulled into violent, tsunami-like surf, forcing a teenage lifeguard to plunge into conditions witnesses described as life-threatening.
The lifeguard, praised by onlookers for what they called one of the bravest rescues they had ever witnessed, is a 16-year-old high school student, NBC Bay Area reported. A woman identifying herself as his mother later posted on social media that the teen’s name is Ryder.
The child Ryder pulled from the water is believed to be around 10 years old, according to the report.
Footage of the frightening scene shows several beachgoers and another lifeguard attempting to get into the ocean, only to be battered back as enormous waves swallowed the group.
The 16-year-old lifeguard repeatedly vanished beneath towering breakers but continued holding onto the child caught in the dangerous California surf. (Scott Vander Dussen/Instagram @Santacruznow)
“It caught a lot of people off-guard,” said Scott Vander Dussen, who recorded the video. “Unfortunately, this young man was overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment’s time.”
The video shows the teenage lifeguard diving into the churning water and fighting through the powerful swells as he worked to guide the child back toward the sand.
With each new wave bearing down, Ryder appeared to time his breaths carefully, surfacing for air before ducking under the next crashing wall of water.
He would then emerge each time still gripping tightly to the child.
As the pair kept getting swallowed by the waves, multiple beachgoers attempted to help, often without success.
Terrifying video captures a teenage lifeguard risking his own life as relentless waves repeatedly swallowed him and a struggling child. (Scott Vander Dussen/Instagram @Santacruznow)
The lifeguard ultimately pulled the boy onto shore. According to NBC Bay Area, the child was reunited with his family and was evaluated by paramedics.
Witnesses commenting on the video said the struggle against the waves lasted much longer than the footage shows, adding that Ryder never let go of the child despite the relentless surf.
Ryder’s mother, thanking supporters for the outpouring of praise, responded to requests for a GoFundMe page by saying her son was simply doing what he loves.
“I am blown away by the love, kindness, gratitude and respect you’re sending his way!” she said.
“A few people have asked about a GoFundMe – but honestly he was just doing the job that he absolutely loves.”
Witnesses say the dramatic rescue lasted far longer than the viral video shows, with the teen lifeguard refusing to release the child despite punishing surf. (Scott Vander Dussen/Instagram @Santacruznow)
Instead, she encouraged those wishing to support Ryder to donate to the Santa Cruz County Parks Department’s Junior Guards program, where she said Ryder and many of his fellow lifeguards trained before becoming old enough to serve.
She also argued that lifeguards should be recognized as first responders because of the dangerous surf conditions they face along the Santa Cruz coastline.
Eric Trump also reposted the rescue video with praise.
“Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!,” he said.
