- A boy was rescued by lifeguards Saturday at a Santa Cruz beach, and intense video shows them battling powerful waves while working to bring him to safety.
- The rescue at Seabright State Beach near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was captured on video by witness Scott Vander Dussen, who said he watched a lifeguard rush into the water to help the boy.
- The rescue was one of at least 25 reported Saturday in Santa Cruz County as massive swells pounded the shoreline.
- Vander Dussen described the lifeguard's actions, stating, "I saw the lifeguard just run straight out into the water, and, you know, he dove in, setting fear aside."
- Byran Kine, a lifeguard supervisor for Santa Cruz State Parks, noted the strong surf conditions, stating, "It is really, really strong surf right now, so even for us, it's really challenging, in the knee-to-waist-deep range when there's so much water moving."
- The lifeguard had a "gorilla grip" on the boy, holding him from getting swept back out, according to Vander Dussen.
- Vander Dussen emphasized the importance of the lifeguards' presence, stating, "If the lifeguards were not out there, it would have had a different ending. He was in desperate need of help, and those two lifeguards went in and did what needed to be done."
Lifeguards at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California, performed a heroic rescue of a boy caught in powerful waves on Saturday. The dramatic incident, captured on video by witness Scott Vander Dussen, showed lifeguards battling the surf to bring the child to safety.247
"If the lifeguards were not out there, it would have had a different ending. He was in desperate need of help, and those two lifeguards went in and did what needed to be done," said Vander Dussen, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.6
The rescue was part of a larger crisis, with at least 25 rescues reported in Santa Cruz County that day due to massive swells pounding the shoreline. Lifeguard supervisor Byran Kine noted the challenges faced by rescuers, stating, "We appreciate their eagerness to help, but often we find that that leads to more problems."35
The lifeguards' quick response and determination were crucial, as one witness remarked, "The lifeguard just had a gorilla grip on that young man, held him from getting swept back out." This incident serves as a reminder of the ocean's dangers and the vital role lifeguards play in ensuring beach safety.
“The rescue was one of at least 25 reported Saturday in Santa Cruz County as massive swells pounded the shoreline. Witness Scott Vander Dussen noted the lifeguard's bravery, stating, 'If the lifeguards were not out there, it would have had a different ending.'”
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