What seemed like a normal afternoon at the beach was about to end in tragedy.
At Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California, a 10-year-old boy was trapped by the strong surf as enormous waves battered the shore. Without thinking twice, a lifeguard just 16 years old, who was also in his first season on the job, ran toward the sea to try to rescue him.
The footage, captured by a witness, shows the rescuer struggling for several minutes against the intense surf while trying to keep the child out of the water. At one point, several beachgoers tried to help by forming a human chain, but the force of the sea forced them to retreat.
Finally, with the help of another lifeguard, they managed to bring the boy out safe and sound. According to authorities, he did not suffer serious injuries and was able to reunite with his family after being evaluated by medical personnel.
That same day, rescue teams carried out around 25 interventions on the county’s beaches due to the strong surf caused by a powerful swell from the Southern Hemisphere. Days earlier, authorities had already warned about the danger of currents and waves that could exceed three meters in height.
The teenager’s bravery was widely praised on social media, where thousands of people called for him to receive recognition for risking his life to save the child.
Watch the clip here: