Teen Lifeguard Invited to White House After Santa Cruz Rescue
A 16-year-old lifeguard who saved a boy from strong waves at Seabright State Beach was invited by the president to the White House and offered a civilian honor.
A 16-year-old lifeguard who pulled a boy to safety from powerful surf at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz on Saturday has been invited to the White House. President Donald Trump posted on X that he would bring the teen and his family to Washington and present a "High Civilian Honor."
Witness Scott Vander Dussen recorded the rescue, saying the lifeguard ran straight into the water and dove in despite the danger. Video shows the lifeguard battling the waves and securing the child, who had been swept about 15 yards offshore after losing his balance.
California State Parks officials confirmed that two lifeguards worked together to keep the boy from being pulled back out and eventually brought him safely to shore. The incident was one of at least 34 rescues reported over the weekend as large swells hit the county’s coastline.
All parties involved reached the beach unharmed, and Vander Dussen noted that the outcome could have been different without the lifeguards' swift action.