California lifeguard, 16, saves 10-year-old boy from giant waves

Dramatic scenes unfolded at a California beach when a 10-year-old boy was swept out to sea by powerful waves, struggling for his life in the turbulent water. The incident occurred Saturday at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz.

Video captured by bystander Scott Vander Dussen shows the child being pulled further from shore by successive giant waves as onlookers watched anxiously. "The waves surprised a lot of people. Unfortunately, the boy was swept away in just a few seconds," Vander Dussen told NBC.

“

The waves surprised a lot of people. Unfortunately, the boy was swept away in just a few seconds.

As the situation escalated, a 16-year-old lifeguard plunged into the churning sea without hesitation. Battling strong currents, he reached the boy and kept him afloat until help arrived. Moments later, a second lifeguard and several beachgoers joined the rescue, helping to bring the child safely to shore.

“

Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!

Paramedics examined the boy on the scene before he was reunited with his family. The heroic rescue video quickly went viral, with Eric Trump, son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, sharing it and calling for the lifeguard to receive the highest civilian honor, stating, "This is truly the best of America! Well done!"

Local lifeguards in the area undergo rigorous training, including at least 56 hours of basic lifeguard training, 24 hours of medical certification, and over 80 hours of specialized ocean rescue training to handle high-risk incidents like this. Vander Dussen expressed relief at the outcome, saying, "I'm glad it all ended this way. I'm sure if the lifeguards hadn't been there, the boy wouldn't have returned home that night."

“

I'm glad it all ended this way. I'm sure if the lifeguards hadn't been there, the boy wouldn't have returned home that night.