A 10-year-old boy, Nathaniel Rai, nearly drowned after being swept out by rough waves at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, before a teenage lifeguard rescued him. The incident, which occurred on 25 July 2026, highlights the dangers of strong currents at the popular beach and the vital role young lifeguards can play in preventing tragedies during busy summer holiday periods.

Nathaniel and his father, Sumit Rai, were on a family holiday when the boy was pulled under by the waves and lost consciousness before being saved. Speaking to Fox News Digital, the pair recounted the frightening moments leading up to the rescue, with Nathaniel describing the last thing he remembered seeing before blacking out.