'STOOD HIS GROUND': Lifeguard group honors teen after viral rescue

'STOOD HIS GROUND': Lifeguard group honors teen after viral rescue

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – A Santa Cruz lifeguard is being hailed as a hero around the U.S. after being captured on viral video heroically rescuing a young boy from the dangerous grip of rough surf in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of a California beach on Saturday.

Dramatic video shows the lifeguard, reported by FOX News to be a 16-year-old high school student, fighting through powerful shore break and crashing waves as he held onto the child in distress for dear life.

The young lifeguard's heroic actions have earned widespread praise online, including from President Donald Trump, who said the teen should receive a high civilian honor and invited him and his family to the White House in recognition of the dramatic rescue.

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