A 17-year-old lifeguard rescued an 8-year-old boy from drowning at a California beach, with the dramatic rescue captured on video. The incident occurred at Huntington Beach on July 27, 2026.
Rescue details
The teen lifeguard, identified as Jake Miller, spotted the boy struggling in the water and immediately swam out to him. Miller brought the unconscious child to shore and performed CPR for several minutes until the boy began breathing again.
According to the Huntington Beach Fire Department, the boy was taken to a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. The rescue was recorded by a bystander and later shared on social media, garnering widespread praise for Miller's quick actions.
Impact and recognition
Miller, a junior lifeguard with two years of experience, said he relied on his training. "I just did what I was taught," he told reporters. The boy's parents thanked Miller publicly, calling him a hero.
The video shows the entire rescue sequence, from Miller spotting the boy to administering CPR. The incident highlights the importance of lifeguard presence and swift emergency response at beaches.
