President Donald Trump announced that he will honor a 16-year-old lifeguard who rescued a child from powerful surf at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, after a dramatic video of the rescue spread widely on social media.
The rescue unfolded when a child, believed to be about 10 years old, was swept into towering waves that witnesses described as arriving suddenly and catching beachgoers off guard. Video of the incident showed the teenage lifeguard repeatedly diving beneath crashing waves while holding tightly onto the child as he fought to bring him safely back to shore.
🚨WOW. Child Dramatically Rescued in Santa Cruz yesterday
A 16yr old Lifeguard went VIRAL for the rescue, exhibiting STUNNING lifesaving skills
As onlookers attempted to help, they too were almost swept away, the young lifeguard telling them to save themselves pic.twitter.com/atvNEa4exW
— FoxyFarmer🦊🇺🇸 (@GardensR4Health) July 27, 2026
According to witnesses, multiple beachgoers and another lifeguard attempted to help, but many were quickly overwhelmed by the powerful surf. The teenager was seen taking quick breaths before ducking beneath each incoming wave, emerging each time without letting go of the child.
Trump Announces White House Recognition
Eric Trump shared the rescue footage on X, writing, “Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!”
President Trump later responded by announcing plans to recognize the young rescuer at the White House.
“We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor. Very brave, he deserves it! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” Trump wrote.
The lifeguard, identified by witnesses and a woman claiming to be his mother as Ryder, ultimately brought the child safely back to shore. The boy was evaluated by paramedics before being reunited with his family.
Witness Scott Vander Dussen, who recorded the rescue, said the conditions changed rapidly, overwhelming the child in moments. He added that he believed the boy would not have made it home that night if the lifeguards had not acted.
Witnesses also said the struggle lasted longer than what was shown in the viral video and praised Ryder for refusing to let go of the child despite being repeatedly swallowed by the waves.
Responding to messages of support, Ryder’s mother thanked well-wishers and said her son was simply doing what he loves. Santa Cruz lifeguards are required to complete extensive lifeguard, medical certification and marine safety training before serving on the beach.