Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://mypepack.gophersport.com/video/?vid=fWD5klOVeE7 Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter 16-year-old lifeguard rescues child at Santa Cruz beach, video shows [S5cG2HJCBPY] Health Updated on August 11, 2026 EDT — Published on August 11, 2026 EDT Video captured Sunday shows wall-like waves crashing into Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz as a 10-year-old child is swept into the ocean before being rescued by a 16-year-old lifeguard. The rescue footage quickly circulated online, eventually catching the attention of President Donald Trump, who took to X to praise the "heroic young man" and invite him to the White House to receive a "High Civilian Honor." It was just after 3:30 p.m. when the lifeguard spotted the child lose his footing and get pulled into deeper water. He reached the young swimmer and kept him afloat until a second lifeguard arrived. Together, they fought their way back to shore. The lifesaving response was one of 34 carried out by California State Parks' Santa Cruz District over the weekend as a powerful swell created dangerous beach conditions along the coast. NN9sEvKTHLO R7X6sQyZo2k y3C2nKuYj8K 9FbqGWsUem2 tWF0jQNIPAL OANejmc5g5y TI9K5E8FqKI
Video captured Sunday shows wall-like waves crashing into Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz as a 10-year-old child is swept into the ocean before being rescued by a 16-year-old lifeguard. The rescue footage quickly circulated online, eventually catching the attention of President Donald Trump, who took to X to praise the "heroic young man" and invite him to the White House to receive a "High Civilian Honor." It was just after 3:30 p.m. when the lifeguard spotted the child lose his footing and get pulled into deeper water. He reached the young swimmer and kept him afloat until a second lifeguard arrived. Together, they fought their way back to shore. The lifesaving response was one of 34 carried out by California State Parks' Santa Cruz District over the weekend as a powerful swell created dangerous beach conditions along the coast. NN9sEvKTHLO R7X6sQyZo2k y3C2nKuYj8K 9FbqGWsUem2 tWF0jQNIPAL OANejmc5g5y TI9K5E8FqKI