President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he intends to invite a California lifeguard to the White House to receive a high civilian honor. The lifeguard is being recognized for risking his life to rescue a young boy from massive waves at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz.
Trump shared his intention 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!"
The dramatic rescue occurred last weekend when powerful waves suddenly surged ashore, catching beachgoers off guard. The boy was swept out into the ocean and struggled against the powerful surf. Video of the incident captured the lifeguard immediately diving into the churning water to reach the child.
A witness, Scott Vander Dussen, described the rapid change in ocean conditions. "The waves, I wouldn’t say they were tranquil, but they were what you’d expect, a normal cadence and intensity," Vander Dussen told KNTV-TV. "And then that just changed in a heartbeat. It caught a lot of people off guard. Unfortunately, this young man was overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment’s time."
In the footage, the lifeguard is seen holding onto the boy while attempting to navigate a large wave. Several adults initially entered the water to assist but were forced back by the rough surf. Ultimately, the lifeguard, with the help of a colleague, managed to bring the boy safely to shore. Paramedics evaluated the boy at the scene before he was released to his parents, according to Vander Dussen.
The identities and ages of the lifeguard and the boy have not been publicly released. California State Parks, which employs the lifeguards at Seabright Beach, did not immediately respond to a request for further information.