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A frantic rescue unfolded at a Santa Cruz beach when a child was swept into powerful, tsunami-like waves, prompting a teenage lifeguard to dive into the life-threatening surf.
The lifeguard — whom witnesses said carried out one of the most heroic rescues they had ever seen — was identified as just a 16-year-old high school student, according 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 is Ryder.
The young child Ryder rescued is believed to be about 10 years old, according to the report.
Video capturing the terrifying rescue shows multiple beachgoers, along with a second lifeguard, trying to enter the water. Many appeared to be quickly overwhelmed as the massive waves engulfed everyone.
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A heroic 16-year-old lifeguard repeatedly disappeared beneath towering waves while refusing to let go of a child swept into dangerous California surf. (Scott Vander Dussen/Instagram @Santacruznow)
“It caught a lot of people off-guard,” Vander Dussen, who filmed the video, said. “Unfortunately, this young man was overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment’s time.”
In the video, the 16-year-old lifeguard was seen diving into the water and battling powerful swells to bring the child back to shore.
Wave after wave, Ryder appeared to strategically gulp air before ducking beneath each crashing breaker.
He would then emerge each time still gripping tightly to the child.
As the pair kept getting swallowed by the waves, multiple beachgoers attempted to help, often without success.
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Terrifying video captures a teenage lifeguard risking his own life as relentless waves repeatedly swallowed him and a struggling child. (Scott Vander Dussen/Instagram @Santacruznow)
The lifeguard ultimately pulled the boy onto shore. According to NBC Bay Area, the child was reunited with his family and was evaluated by paramedics.
Witnesses commenting on the video said the struggle against the waves lasted much longer than the footage shows, adding that Ryder never let go of the child despite the relentless surf.
Ryder’s mother, thanking supporters for the outpouring of praise, responded to requests for a GoFundMe page by saying her son was simply doing what he loves.
“I am blown away by the love, kindness, gratitude and respect you’re sending his way!” she said.
“A few people have asked about a GoFundMe – but honestly he was just doing the job that he absolutely loves.”
Witnesses say the dramatic rescue lasted far longer than the viral video shows, with the teen lifeguard refusing to release the child despite punishing surf. (Scott Vander Dussen/Instagram @Santacruznow)
Instead, she encouraged those wishing to support Ryder to donate to the Santa Cruz County Parks Department’s Junior Guards program, where she said Ryder and many of his fellow lifeguards trained before becoming old enough to serve.
She also argued that lifeguards should be recognized as first responders because of the dangerous surf conditions they face 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. This is truly the best of America! Well done!,” he said.