Dramatic rescue sees lifeguards battle terrifying waves to save boy off California

Posted on July 28, 2026
By The Independent
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In brief

A heroic rescue operation unfolded off the Santa Cruz coast when a teenage lifeguard successfully pulled a young boy from dangerous ocean waters during extreme surf conditions. The incident occurred on Saturday amid unprecedented wave activity that triggered over two dozen emergency rescues along the California shoreline. Quick response from multiple lifeguards and beachgoers prevented what could have been a tragedy, with the child receiving medical evaluation and reuniting safely with his family. The event highlights the critical importance of water safety awareness during high-swell forecasts.

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Dramatic rescue sees lifeguards battle terrifying waves to save boy off California

A child was saved from the ocean in a dramatic rescue after being pulled in by powerful waves. Footage captured by witness Scott Vander Dussem shows a Santa Cruz lifeguard, who is reportedly 16-years-old, pulling the boy from under the relentless surf on Saturday (25 July). “It [the waves] caught a lot of people off-guard,” Mr Vander Dussen told NBC Bay Area. “Unfortunately, this young man was overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment’s time.” A second lifeguard and beachgoers then rushed out to save the boy, who paramedics later evaluated before being released to his parents. It was one of at least 25 rescues reported Saturday in Santa Cruz County, as huge swells battered the shoreline.