In Santa Cruz, California, Seabright State Beach was bustling with people enjoying the warm July weather when lifeguards jumped into action for a critical water rescue. Tropical cyclones in the eastern Pacific Ocean had generated long-period swells with towering 10-foot waves.
Witness Scott Vander Dussen recounted the moment he noticed a child, appearing as a ‘black dot,’ being pulled back out into the ocean amid the swell. Vander Dussen promptly alerted lifeguards about the situation.
The ‘black dot’ was revealed to be a 10-year-old boy caught in the powerful surf. California State Parks officials reported that the child had lost balance and was knocked down by a wave. As the boy struggled against the relentless waves, lifeguards rushed to his aid.
“I saw the white foam with a little black dot just getting pulled back out,” said witness Scott Vander Dussen.
Vander Dussen captured the rescue on camera, showing a lifeguard bear-hugging the boy as powerful waves continued to thrash them. Eventually, two lifeguards managed to bring the exhausted boy safely back to shore. Despite being drained of energy, the boy survived without serious injuries and was released to his parents.
A noteworthy detail was that one of the rescuing lifeguards was a rookie, aged 16-17, whose actions were described as ‘phenomenal’ by Vander Dussen. While some beachgoers attempted to assist, the lifeguards’ expert training proved critical in saving the boy.
The beach was crowded, and as the boy was brought to safety, onlookers responded with applause. Vander Dussen emphasized that a few seconds’ delay might have changed the outcome significantly.
The rescue did not go unnoticed. A video of the incident even garnered attention from President Trump and his son Eric on social media. President Trump commended the lifeguard’s bravery, suggesting a White House visit to honor the heroic actions.
During that same weekend, Santa Cruz District lifeguards conducted 34 ocean rescues, according to California State Parks officials. They also made numerous proactive contacts with beachgoers, preventing additional rescues along the coast.
Officials cautioned beachgoers about summer south swells, which often have long intervals between sets of waves, creating a deceptive sense of calm. The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement for the San Francisco Bay and Monterey Bay due to potentially deadly sneaker waves and rip currents.
The NWS warned individuals to remain out of the water and never turn their back on the ocean. They urged people to seek help from lifeguards or dial 9-1-1 if they witness someone in distress in the water.