A 16-year-old lifeguard on his debut shift rescued a 10-year-old child caught in violent waves off the coast of Santa Cruz, California, footage of the incident spread widely on social media.
A powerful storm had struck the Santa Cruz coastline, creating dangerous surf conditions. The two were pulled under the foam and tossed by the waves for several long seconds before the young lifeguard managed to bring the child to safety.
The 10-year-old escaped with only minor injuries.
