This Man Captured An Amazing Lifeguard Rescue That Reached The White House
Podcast: SmartHER NewsPublished On: Fri Jul 31 2026
Description: Hear the incredible backstory from Santa Cruz resident and photographer Scott Vander Dussen who found himself at the right place, at the right time, with the right camera. Scott captured the video that made news around the world of 16-year-old Santa Cruz lifeguard, Ryder, rescuing a 10-year-old from a "sneaker wave." Scott provides incredible perspective on the rescue that even got the attention of the White House. Plus ~ learn with us about House Resolution 1188 - proposed legislation that would recognize lifeguards as first responders. Instagram/SantaCruzNow 00:00 Rescue Goes Viral 00:54 Witnessing the Sneaker Wave 02:37 What Is a Sneaker Wave 04:25 Why He Started Filming 05:56 Three Minutes of Chaos 07:55 Aftermath and Privacy 09:24 Meeting Ryder the Lifeguard 10:16 Training and Humility 12:13 How the Video Blew Up 14:15 White House Reaction SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines? Here's how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/ Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews 16:59 Push for Lifeguard Recognition 20:01 Final Thanks and Update
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