Dramatic California beach rescue caught on video as powerful surf, rip currents hit coast

A lifeguard rescued a young swimmer who became trapped in powerful waves at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California, in a dramatic rescue that was captured on video.

Scott Vander Dussen, who was photographing the beach Saturday afternoon, told CBS News Bay Area that he noticed the swimmer struggling in the water after hearing waves crash ashore. He immediately alerted a nearby lifeguard.

Video of the rescue shows the lifeguard battling heavy surf as large waves repeatedly broke over both of them. Vander Dussen said the rescuer maintained a firm grip on the swimmer to prevent him from being pulled back into the ocean, making steady progress toward shore whenever the waves allowed.

The rescue lasted just over two minutes and ended with the swimmer safely reaching the beach. The incident highlights the dangers of strong surf and rip currents along the California coast.