Trump invites teen lifeguard from Santa Cruz to White House

A 16-year-old lifeguard who rescued a 10-year-old boy from powerful surf in Santa Cruz, California, has been invited to the White House by President Donald Trump to receive a high civilian honor. The dramatic rescue occurred on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Seabright State Beach, where dangerous ocean conditions led to dozens of rescues along the coastline.

President Trump announced the invitation in a social media post on Tuesday, July 28, stating he would bring the heroic young man and his family to the White House, potentially along with the boy he saved, to present the honor. The president's post followed a suggestion from his son, Eric Trump, who had called for the lifeguard to receive the nation's highest civilian honor the previous day.

The incident was captured on video by witness Scott Vander Dussen, who described seeing the lifeguard rush into the water without hesitation after the boy was swept approximately 15 yards offshore by a sudden, powerful wave. The footage shows the lifeguard battling relentless breakers while maintaining a firm grip on the child. Vander Dussen said the lifeguard had a gorilla grip on that young man, holding him from getting swept back out.