Lifeguards rescue boy from rough surf at Seabright State Beach amid swells
Two lifeguards saved a boy swept by strong waves at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, part of roughly two dozen rescues prompted by high surf and hazardous ocean conditions.
Two lifeguards intervened on Saturday to pull a boy from powerful surf at Seabright State Beach near the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, after the child was carried offshore by rapidly changing waves. The incident was recorded by beach visitor Scott Vander Dussen, who said the conditions shifted quickly before the boy was overtaken by the surf.
The first lifeguard entered the water and struggled against large waves to reach the child, while several onlookers attempted to help but were also tossed by the surf. A second lifeguard joined, and together they returned the boy safely to shore; no injuries were reported.
A Santa Cruz State Parks lifeguard supervisor acknowledged the public’s willingness to assist but warned that well-meaning attempts can sometimes create additional emergencies.
The rescue was one of about two dozen reported across Santa Cruz County on Saturday as massive swells battered the coastline. The National Weather Service has advised people to avoid entering the water along parts of the Pacific Coast through Tuesday because of heightened risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents.
"Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!" wrote Eric Trump on X, praising the lifeguards' actions.