16-year-old lifeguard pulls child from heavy surf in Santa Cruz
What's new: Witnesses said the rescue lasted longer than the viral video shows, and paramedics checked the boy after he reached shore.
A 16-year-old lifeguard rescued a child who was swept into heavy surf at a beach in Santa Cruz, California, in a dramatic incident captured on video. Fox News, citing NBC Bay Area, reported the lifeguard was identified by witnesses and a social media post from his mother as Ryder, a high school student. The child was believed to be about 10 years old. Video showed Ryder diving into the water, disappearing under breaking waves and re-emerging while holding onto the boy as others struggled to help. He eventually brought the child back to shore, where the boy was reunited with family and evaluated by paramedics.