Trump To Honor 16-Year-Old Lifeguard After Heroic Rescue Goes Viral

President Donald Trump issued an invitation to a teenage lifeguard who went viral after saving a young boy’s life from roaring waves.

On Monday, Eric Trump posted a video on X of a 16-year-old lifeguard saving a young boy’s life from massive waves in Santa Cruz, California. The post went viral with over 17 million views the next day as Trump commended the teen, saying, “This is truly the best of America! Well Done!” President Donald Trump also commented on the video in a post on Truth Social and X.

“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,” Trump said. “Very brave, he deserves it!”

Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done! pic.twitter.com/Pq99xNK6WI

— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) July 27, 2026

The man who recorded the video, Scott Vander Dussen, told NBC News that the conditions at the beach had been relatively normal earlier in the day.

“The waves, I wouldn’t say they were tranquil, but they were what you’d expect, a normal cadence and intensity,” Vander Dussen said. “And then that just changed in a heartbeat.”

As the waves grew in intensity, a 10-year-old boy was quickly overwhelmed.

“It caught a lot of people off-guard. Unfortunately, this young man was overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment’s time,” Vander Dussen said.

True to his training, the lifeguard sprinted into action, per KSBW Action News.

“That just missed the opening seconds where the first lifeguard just fearlessly ran out into those huge waves and did what was needed to bring help to that boy,” Vander Dussen added, noting he had never witnessed a rescue this intense before.

The teen began pulling the limp boy to shore as white-foamed waves continued trying to suck them both out to sea. Each time a breaker came, the lifeguard dove under the waves, moving as they lulled. As they neared shore, another lifeguard came to the rescue. Eventually they reached the shore and were met by a group of men, who carried the boy.

Others attempted to assist the lifeguard and boy in the waves, but couldn’t hold their ground against the powerful surf. Officials often say that while they recognize this desire in people to help, jumping into a dangerous situation without training can create more victims.

“I understand the instinct to want to go and help someone,” Anaiis Moise, marine safety officer for the City of Santa Cruz, said. “And often the more effective way to help is going to be getting someone who is trained and professional to respond to that.”

The boy is in stable condition thanks to the lifeguard’s quick response and bravery.

A woman on social media, who claims to be the lifeguard’s mother according to Fox News, said the teenager’s name was Ryder. After receiving many requests to start a GoFundMe for the young hero, she thanked everyone for their praise and gratitude, but said that Ryder was just doing his job. 

“I am blown away by the love, kindness, gratitude and respect you’re sending his way!” she said. “A few people have asked about a GoFundMe — but honestly he was just doing the job that he absolutely loves.”

NBC News reported that lifeguards in Santa Cruz are required to complete 80 hours of marine safety lifeguard training in addition to 56 hours of basic lifeguard training and 24 hours of medical training.