In a dramatic rescue that unfolded on a California beach, a 16-year-old lifeguard demonstrated extraordinary courage when he plunged into treacherous surf to save a drowning child. The harrowing incident, captured on video, has since garnered national attention and praise from the highest levels of government.
The rescue took place at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz during a particularly busy beach weekend. Heat advisories had driven thousands of Southern California families to coastal areas seeking relief, creating challenging conditions for lifeguards across the region. Los Angeles County lifeguards alone performed nearly 2,000 rescues over that single weekend.
Child swept away in powerful surf
A 10-year-old boy became trapped in powerful, crashing waves that overwhelmed him within moments. Scott Vander Dussen, who recorded the rescue, observed, “It caught a lot of people off-guard. Unfortunately, this young man was overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment’s time.”
Ryder, a high school student working as a lifeguard, immediately responded to the emergency. Without hesitation, the teenager entered the dangerous surf and reached the struggling child.
Lifeguard maintains grip through relentless waves
The rescue proved extremely difficult as massive waves continuously crashed over both Ryder and the boy, repeatedly pulling them underwater. Between waves, Ryder managed quick breaths before submerging again, all while maintaining his hold on the child. Witnesses at the scene noted that he never released his grip throughout the ordeal.
Several beachgoers attempted to assist, but the powerful waves prevented them from helping. Another lifeguard eventually joined the effort, and working together, they successfully brought the boy to shore. Medical personnel examined the child before he was returned to his family.
Presidential recognition
The rescue quickly gained widespread attention across the country. President Donald Trump publicly commended the young lifeguard’s actions on social media, stating, “We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor. Very brave, he deserves it!”
When supporters proposed establishing a fundraiser in Ryder’s honor, his mother declined, explaining that her son was simply doing what he loves. She instead encouraged people to contribute to the local Junior Guards program.
