Santa Cruz Lifeguard Battles Powerful Waves To Rescue 10 Year Old Boy

Santa Cruz lifeguards rescued a roughly 10-year-old boy who had been swept into the surf on July 25, 2026, amid a powerful ocean swell that prompted dozens of rescues in the area.

Video filmed by Scott Vander Dussen shows a 16-year-old primary lifeguard battling powerful waves and whitewater while holding onto the boy near shore. Large waves repeatedly crash over them as the rescuer works to bring the child closer to the beach.

Bystanders are visible on the sand as a second lifeguard later assists. The boy is brought safely ashore and appeared to be in stable condition, with no serious injuries reported.

Scott Vander Dussen confirmed that the primary lifeguard is 16 and the boy is 10.