Teen lifeguard rescues child from dangerous waves at Santa Cruz beach
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A frantic rescue took place off the coast of Santa Cruz, where a child was swept away by powerful, tsunami-like waves and a young lifeguard plunged into life-threatening waves.
The lifeguard, who witnesses said made one of the most heroic rescues they had ever seen, was identified as a 16-year-old high school student. based on to local outlet NBC Bay Area. A woman who claimed to be the teenager’s mother said on social media that the lifeguard’s name was Ryder.
The little boy Ryder saved is believed to be about 10 years old, according to the report.
In the video capturing the terrifying rescue, several beachgoers and a second lifeguard attempt to enter the water. Many people seemed to quickly become depressed as the huge waves swallowed everyone.
A MAN AND WOMAN WERE DEATH BY RIP CURRENT AS LACK OF LIFEGUARD LEFT DANGEROUS ZONES AT BEACH DESTINATION
A heroic 16-year-old lifeguard was repeatedly lost beneath towering waves as he refused to let go of a boy who was swept into the treacherous California surf. (Scott Vander Dussen/Instagram @Santacruznow)
“It caught a lot of people off guard,” said Vander Dussen, who shot the video. “Unfortunately, this young man became depressed and suddenly disappeared.”
In the video, the 16-year-old lifeguard is seen diving into the water and battling powerful waves to bring the boy back to shore.
Wave after wave, Ryder appeared to strategically gulp in air before diving beneath each striking breaker.
He would always emerge later, holding on tightly to the child.
As the couple continued to be swallowed by the waves, many beachgoers tried to help, but were often unsuccessful.
‘HERO’ MOTHER DIED AFTER USING HER LAST STRENGTH TO SAVE HER 4-YEAR-OLD SON FROM THE FLORIDA RIVER
The terrifying video captures a young lifeguard risking his own life as relentless waves repeatedly engulf him and a struggling child. (Scott Vander Dussen/Instagram @Santacruznow)
The lifeguard eventually brought the boy to shore. According to NBC Bay Area, the child was reunited with his family and evaluated by paramedics.
Eyewitnesses commenting on the video stated that the struggle against the waves lasted much longer than seen in the images, and that Ryder did not let go of the child despite the relentless surf.
Ryder’s mother, who thanked supporters for the praise, responded to GoFundMe page requests by saying her son was just doing what he loved.
“I am overwhelmed by the love, kindness, gratitude and respect you sent him!” he said.
“A few people asked about the GoFundMe – but honestly he was just doing what he absolutely loved.”
Eyewitnesses say the dramatic rescue took much longer than the viral video shows, with young lifeguards refusing to release the boy despite punishing surfing. (Scott Vander Dussen/Instagram @Santacruznow)
Instead, he encouraged those who wanted to support Ryder to donate to the Santa Cruz County Parks Department’s Young Guardians program; where Ryder and many of his fellow lifeguards trained before they were old enough to serve, he said.
He also argued that lifeguards should be recognized as first responders due to the dangerous surf conditions they encounter along the Santa Cruz coastline.
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Eric Trump also reposted the rescue video with praise.
“Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. He truly is America’s best! Well done!” he said.
