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Sixteen-year-old lifeguard Ryder saves young swimmer from powerful waves at Santa Cruz beach

A 16-year-old high school student named Ryder performed a heroic rescue at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, after a young child was swept into powerful, tsunami-like waves. The teenager, who was in his first season as a lifeguard, repeatedly dove into the surf and maintained a firm grip on the child to prevent him from being pulled back into the ocean. While several beachgoers attempted to assist, many were quickly overwhelmed by the crashing breakers. Witness Scott Vander Dussen filmed the rescue, noting that the lifeguard's persistence was essential in bringing the boy to safety. Lifeguard supervisor Byran Kine reported that the team made over 25 rescues on Saturday alone, highlighting the challenging conditions caused by a long-period southerly swell. Officials urged beachgoers to remain cautious, as the ocean's power can change rapidly. Ryder's mother encouraged supporters to donate to the Santa Cruz County Parks Department's Junior Guards program, where the teenager trained before becoming a professional lifeguard.

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