16-year-old becomes a hero in the US: "He should be awarded a citation"
The young lifeguard, Ryder, was filmed diving into the water to save a child swept away by strong waves off the coast of California. For long minutes, the two struggled against the current until another lifeguard arrived to assist.
A 16-year-old lifeguard has become a hero across the United States after being filmed rescuing a child who was swept away off the coast of California. The incident took place at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, when powerful waves swept a child into the sea.
In the footage published on social media, the young lifeguard, Ryder, is seen holding onto the child and trying to keep them both above water, while the current drags them far from the shore. For long minutes, the two struggled against the high waves. Ryder made sure to take a breath just before each wave broke over them, and then dove under it to prevent them from being submerged. Passersby tried to help by creating a human chain from the shore, but the force of the waves stopped them. Later, another lifeguard entered the water, and together the two managed to rescue the child and return him safely to the shore.
A 16 year old lifeguard rescued a 10 year old boy who had become overwhelmed by the waves on Seabright Beach, California, on July 24, 2026. pic.twitter.com/fIlEhthwxQ — Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) July 28, 2026
Eric Trump, son of the President of the United States, shared the rescue video on the X network. According to him, the 16-year-old lifeguard should be awarded the highest civilian honor. Eyewitnesses defined the rescue as one of the most impressive acts of heroism they had ever seen.
Ryder's mother expressed gratitude for the wave of support and compliments her son received, saying that he is simply doing what he loves. Scott Vander Dusen, who witnessed the event, said:
"The waves were completely normal, and then everything changed in an instant. The child was overcome by the current and swept rapidly out to sea. I am sure that if the lifeguards had not been there, he would not have returned home."
