A 16-year-old lifeguard dove into the water at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, to save a young boy who was nearly swept away by a large wave. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he intends to present the lifeguard with a "high civilian honor."
Rescue details
The teenager plunged into the water, battling a powerful current to reach the child. The lifeguard pulled the boy back to shore. Scott Vander Dussen filmed the rescue and told NBC that the boy, approximately 10 years old, had been swept out to sea by an enormous wave. "It caught a lot of people off-guard," Vander Dussen said. "Unfortunately, this young man was overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment's time." He added that he was relieved it ended as it did: "I'm certain if the lifeguards weren't there, he wouldn't have gone home that night."
Fellow beachgoers and a second lifeguard assisted in carrying the boy to safety. Paramedics assessed him, and he was reunited with his family, according to NBC.
Trump's announcement
"We're going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor. Very brave, he deserves it!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. His announcement came after his son Eric suggested the lifeguard should be rewarded. Eric Trump wrote on X: "Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America. Well done!"
Training and possible award
Santa Cruz lifeguards are highly trained and must complete at least 56 hours of lifeguard instruction, 24 hours of medical certification training, and more than 80 hours of marine safety lifeguard training. It remains unclear which award Trump will give the teen. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor, typically reserved for contributions to national security, world peace, or cultural endeavors. Alternatively, Trump could present the Presidential Citizens Medal, awarded for exemplary deeds of service for the country or fellow citizens.
