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SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KSBW) — A teenage lifeguard at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz is being celebrated for rescuing a young boy caught in rough surf, an act that has drawn national attention and praise.
California State Parks expressed pride in the lifeguard’s actions, highlighting the extensive training that prepared him for the moment.
“It’s great to see our lifeguards out there working. This is what we train them to do, and this is what they train for all year long,” said Tyler Leamer, a California State Parks Peace Officer Lifeguard.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the lifeguard’s heroism, writing on Truth Social that he wants to invite the lifeguard, his family, and the boy he saved to the White House to receive “a high civilian honor.”
“He did a great job, and we’re really proud of him,” said Leamer.
Lifeguards emphasized that such rescues are the result of years of preparation.
California State Parks and the city of Santa Cruz offer junior lifeguard programs that teach children ocean safety, build confidence in the water, and develop lifeguard skills.
“We really push on them getting into the water every single day with a positive attitude and, like, pushing themselves to be the best that they can be and, like, incrementally getting better and better in the water,” said Amos Fishbein, Lieutenant for Santa Cruz Junior Lifeguards.
As participants grow older, the training becomes more demanding, both physically and mentally, to ensure they are ready for real-life situations.
“They’re doing all of the physical things that they would need to do to try out to be a lifeguard. We have them practicing, doing the swim test that they would have to do before they could, when they want to try out to lifeguard the following year,” said Fishbien.
State Parks emphasized that this training is what enables lifeguards to act decisively in emergencies.
“It’s nice to see all the training we put in and all the hard work they put in pay off and be able to help the people that come and recreate safely in our beaches,” said Leamer.
Local lifeguards said their focus remains on the training that prepares them for moments like these and on keeping beachgoers safe.
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