President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his intention to welcome a 16-year-old lifeguard to the White House. This teenager heroically saved a ten-year-old boy from drowning at a California beach and will be awarded a prestigious civil honor for his courage.
Trump shared the news on his Truth Social account, stating, "We're bringing this brave young man, along with his family, and possibly the child he saved, to the White House to bestow a High Civil Honor. Truly brave, he deserves it," the President expressed.
The life-saving event took place on Saturday, July 25, at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California. The teenager, whose identity remains undisclosed due to his age, spotted the child being swept approximately 50 feet offshore by turbulent waves.
Photographer Scott Vander Dussen was the one who alerted the lifeguard after noticing the boy's head bobbing in and out of the water.
According to CBS News, the young lifeguard clung to the boy with what the photographer described as a "gorilla grip," enduring the pounding surf as he made his way back to the shore.
Several beachgoers attempted to assist, but the waves knocked them back, causing them to retreat in fear. A second lifeguard joined the effort to successfully complete the rescue. The child was assessed by paramedics and returned to his family without serious injuries.
What makes this rescue even more remarkable is that it was the teenager's first season working as a lifeguard.
Trump has a history of honoring acts of valor at the White House. In March 2025, he named a young cancer patient, DJ Daniel, as an honorary Secret Service agent, and just this past February, he awarded a medal to an injured pilot.
Trump's Recognition of Heroic Acts
Who is the lifeguard being honored by Trump?
The lifeguard is a 16-year-old teenager who saved a ten-year-old boy from drowning at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California.
What is the significance of the civil honor being awarded?
The civil honor recognizes the teenager's bravery and swift action in saving a life, reflecting Trump's commitment to acknowledging acts of heroism.
Has Trump recognized other acts of bravery before?
Yes, Trump has previously honored individuals for their brave actions, including naming a young cancer patient as an honorary Secret Service agent and awarding a medal to an injured pilot.