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A dramatic rescue unfolded at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz after a child was swept into powerful surf, prompting a 16-year-old lifeguard to enter the water. The lifeguard, identified by NBC Bay Area as a high school student named Ryder, battled a series of breaking waves while holding tightly to the child, who was believed to be about 10 years old. Witness Vander Dussen, who recorded the incident, said the rough conditions caught many beachgoers by surprise and swept the child away within moments. Video of the rescue shows Ryder repeatedly surfacing for air before ducking beneath the incoming waves, never releasing his grip on the child. Several people on the beach attempted to assist as the pair struggled toward shore, while witnesses described the teenager’s actions as exceptionally brave. #rescue #lifeguard #hero