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A 16-year-old lifeguard named Ryder rescued a 10-year-old child from dangerous waves at Seabright Beach in Santa CruzVideo shows Ryder bear-hugging the child to prevent separation as large waves crashed around them during the rescueThe child was evaluated by paramedics and released to their parents while Ryder received praise online for his bravery
A California teen is being hailed as a hero after he was seen on video rescuing a child from dangerous waves at a beach.
The 16-year-old lifeguard, identified by local news outlets as Ryder, is getting national news coverage following the release of a clip that showed him refusing to let go of a child who was struggling in the waters at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, Fox News, NBC Bay Area and ABC 7 reported Monday, July 27.
Officials at Seabright Beach did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The child involved in the rescue is believed to be about 10 years old. His identity was not made public.
Water rescue at Seabright Beach.
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In a joint Instagram post shared by the Santa Cruz State Lifeguard Association, Ryder is seen bear-hugging the child so as not to let the two get separated by the crashing waves around them, some of which reached several feet.
At one point, the lifeguard seemingly sees a large wave approaching and takes the brunt of it before both he and the child disappear under the water.
“The waves, I wouldn’t say they were tranquil, but they were what you’d expect, a normal cadence and intensity,” Scott Vander Dussen, who witnessed the incident, said, according to NBC Bay Area. “And then that just changed in a heartbeat. It caught a lot of people off-guard.”
“Unfortunately, this young man was overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment’s time,” he added.
Video also showed several others nearby rush over and do their best to help the teen and the child, holding on to them in hopes that they wouldn’t be swept further away.
However, a lifeguard supervisor for Santa Cruz State Parks said others helping professional lifeguards isn’t always encouraged. “We appreciate their eagerness to help, but often we find that that leads to more problems,” the official said, ABC 7 reported.
One of the individuals who rushed in to help was reportedly a second lifeguard.
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Swimmers are cautioned that lifeguards are only on duty in the area during the summer season, according to the Seabright Beach official website — meaning Ryder was in the right place at the right time.
The child was evaluated by paramedics, after which he was released to his parents, NBC Bay Area reported.
Ryder was praised for his life-saving efforts on social media.
“That initial lifeguard deserves public recognition and a meritorious medal for service and bravery. Fantastic,” one person wrote. Others called for laws recognizing lifeguards in the United States as first responders.
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