Trump to Award Lifeguard for Heroic Rescue
President Donald Trump announced via a Truth Social post that he intends to honor a 16-year-old lifeguard who bravely rescued a young boy from drowning in the tumultuous waters off Santa Cruz, California, with what he called the “highest civilian honor.”
This incident occurred on Saturday at Seabright Beach when a 10-year-old swimmer, as estimated by bystander Scott Vander Dussen, was suddenly caught in strong waves and swept into the ocean.
“We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House, maybe alongside the boy he saved, to give him that High Civilian Honor. He’s very brave; he deserves it!” Trump stated on Tuesday.
Following this, Eric Trump, the president’s son, echoed similar sentiments regarding the lifeguard’s courage and determination.
“This 16-year-old lifeguard deserves the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!” Eric Trump posted on X.
A viral video captured by Vander Dussen shows the lifeguard struggling against powerful waves while keeping a grip on the boy, repeatedly diving underwater to shield him as stunned beachgoers watched.
As the lifeguard managed to pull the boy closer to the shore, another lifeguard and several beachgoers rushed in to help get the boy to safety.
As reported by NBC, the unnamed boy was later assessed by paramedics and was reunited with his family.
“It surprised a lot of people,” Vander Dussen told NBC. “This young man got overwhelmed and swept out in a moment … I’m relieved it ended well,” he added. “Without the lifeguards, I’m sure he wouldn’t have made it home that night.”
Witnesses remarked that the rescue took considerably longer than what the footage reveals. The lifeguard, later identified as a high school student named “Ryder,” adapted to the current rather than trying to fight against the shore break, diving under the waves while keeping a tight hold on the young boy.
His skills were a testament to the training he received through the Santa Cruz Junior Lifeguard program, pointed out by his mother. This program trains young lifeguards before they even reach the age to become certified lifeguards.
Instead of accepting several offers to start a GoFundMe for her son, Ryder’s mother encouraged well-wishers to consider contributing to the Santa Cruz County Parks Department Junior Guards program.
Founded in 1966, the Santa Cruz Junior Lifeguard program is one of the oldest in Northern California and serves as a crucial training platform for future lifeguards, search-and-rescue personnel, and elite aquatic athletes along the Pacific coast, according to Lookout Santa Cruz.
