Overview
- A 16-year-old California State Parks lifeguard ran into powerful surf at Seabright State Beach on Saturday to rescue an about 10-year-old boy who had been swept into the water, and a second lifeguard and bystanders helped bring them to shore.
- Paramedics evaluated the child at the scene and released him to his parents, and witnesses say everyone involved survived the incident without serious injury.
- The rescue was filmed by witness Scott Vander Dussen, the clip spread widely on social media, Eric Trump reshared it, and President Trump posted that he will invite the teen and his family to the White House to give a “High Civilian Honor.”
- Local officials say lifeguards made dozens of rescues that weekend — reports cite roughly 25 to 34 saves — and the National Weather Service had warned of sneaker waves and strong rip currents along parts of the Pacific Coast.
- California State Parks notes lifeguards complete extensive training, but the agency has not publicly confirmed the rescuer’s formal identification or any specific award process, and officials are using the episode to urge people to swim only in supervised areas and heed lifeguard guidance.