SANTA CRUZ, Calif., July 28 (Santa Cruz News Online) — A boy was pulled from heavy surf at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, after a 16-year-old lifeguard ran into the water, ducked under breaking waves and kept hold of the child until both reached shore, according to a video captured by witness Scott Vander Dussen.
Vander Dussen said the waves caught people off guard and that the child was overwhelmed in a matter of moments. The footage shows beachgoers and at least one other lifeguard moving toward the water as the rescuer fought the surf.
Reports identified the rescuer as a 16-year-old lifeguard and high school student. The boy was described in reports as about 10 years old, though his exact age was not independently confirmed in the available material.
After the rescue, the boy was reunited with family and evaluated by paramedics, according to accounts of the incident. The rescue was filmed at Seabright Beach and spread widely online.
