Quick Take:
A Santa Cruz teen lifeguard saved a 10-year-old boy from rough waters this past weekend at Seabright State Beach, and a video of the rescue went viral. President Donald Trump has since invited the teen and his family to the White House to receive what he called a “high civilian honor” via Truth Social.
A dramatic weekend rescue at Seabright State Beach has caught the attention of the White House, with President Donald Trump announcing Tuesday that he plans to honor a lifeguard involved in the rescue, a 16-year-old Santa Cruz local, for saving a young boy from hazardous surf.
After video capturing the rescue went viral, Trump’s son, Eric Trump, shared the video on X with a caption praising the teen for his heroic actions, and calling for him to receive “the highest civilian honor.”
The president agreed, also posting about the young lifeguard on Truth Social.
“We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor. Very brave, he deserves it!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Rough ocean conditions led to over 29 people having to be saved from rip currents and sneaker waves in Santa Cruz this past weekend, including the one that involved the 16 year-old who works with California State Parks lifeguards.
The video prompted viewers to ask if the young guard had a GoFundMe, as well as calls for him to be awarded with things like a key to the city or a full ride to college for his bravery. His mother responded to one of the videos on Instagram saying that he’s just doing the job that he loves. Instead of a GoFundMe, she pointed people toward supporting the Santa Cruz County Parks Junior Guards program that trained him.
As for the President’s post, it’s unclear what he meant by “High Civilian Honor.” The Presidential Medal of Freedom is typically described as the highest civilian award of the U.S. government, and the second-highest of such awards is the Presidential Citizens Medal, which is awarded to U.S. citizens who are recognized as doing”exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.”
Lookout was unable to immediately confirm whether the family has received an official White House invitation, and if so whether they have accepted.
