A 16-year-old lifeguard dove into powerful, “tsunami-like” waves at a Santa Cruz beach to rescue a child who was swept into the surf, video and local reports show.
The footage, posted online and reviewed by NBC Bay Area, shows multiple beachgoers and a second lifeguard attempting to enter the water before being overwhelmed by the swell. Vander Dussen, who filmed the video, said, “It caught a lot of people off-guard” and that the child was “overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment’s time.”
In the video, the teen repeatedly ducked beneath breaking waves while holding the child and then resurfaced still gripping the youngster. NBC Bay Area identified the rescuer as a 16-year-old high school student. A woman who said she was the lifeguard’s mother on social media identified him as Ryder. The child is believed to be about 10 years old, the report said.
NBC Bay Area reported the child was reunited with family and evaluated by paramedics. Witnesses told outlets the struggle against the waves lasted longer than the posted footage and that the lifeguard never let go of the child despite the conditions.
Ryder’s mother thanked supporters and asked that donations go to the Santa Cruz County Parks Department’s Junior Guards program, where she said Ryder trained, rather than to a GoFundMe. She also urged recognition for lifeguards as first responders. Former White House aide Eric Trump reposted the rescue video online and praised the teen, saying, “Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America!”
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
