U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that a 16-year-old lifeguard who helped rescue a 10-year-old boy from dangerous surf at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California, will be recognized with what he described as the “highest civilian honour.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised the teenager’s actions and said he plans to invite the young rescuer and his family to the White House.
“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 honour,” Trump wrote.
“Very brave; he deserves it!”
According to witnesses, the rescue took place after the 10-year-old boy lost his balance and was pulled into powerful ocean currents at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz.
The unnamed teenage lifeguard quickly responded alongside another lifeguard, working together to reach the struggling child and bring him safely back to shore.
Beachgoers watched the dramatic rescue unfold, with many expressing relief after the child was safely rescued.
Bystander Scott Vander Dussen told Nexstar’s KRON that the outcome could have been tragic if the rescue had been delayed.
“Just a couple of seconds difference, and I think this would have ended a lot differently,” Vander Dussen said.
His comments underscored the importance of the lifeguards’ rapid response in preventing what could have been a fatal incident.
Trump’s announcement has drawn attention to the courage and professionalism displayed by young lifeguards who respond to emergencies along America’s beaches.
While the president did not specify which civilian award the teenager would receive, he indicated that the recognition would be presented during a White House event, potentially attended by the rescued boy and his family.
Further details about the ceremony have not yet been announced.
