Alarming symptom 10-year-old boy told his dad after California lifeguards heroic rescue

A 10-year-old boy rescued from the punishing surf at a Santa Cruz beach told his father he “drowned” and “went unconscious” after monster waves swept him into the ocean — as the teenage California lifeguard who saved him is being hailed a hero.The dramatic rescue unfolded Saturday at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, where 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams plunged into violent surf to save the struggling child as towering waves and dangerous rip currents battered the shoreline.The rescued boy’s father, Sumit Rai, told The Associated Press that his son Nathaniel was still in shock when they spoke later that evening.After the rescue, Nathaniel began coughing up sand as he recovered from the terrifying ordeal that nearly claimed his life, Rai said.“My son told me that he drowned and my son told me that he went unconscious,” the dad said.“He was very subdued, still in a state of shock.”Rai previously told The California Post he believes his son’s survival was “a miracle.”“Gratefully, he’s alive.

It’s a miracle,” the dad said.“I’m so grateful to that lifeguard, Ryder.”Nathaniel had been standing in ankle-deep water when powerful swells suddenly knocked him off his feet and dragged him into the ocean.Williams said he immediately radioed for help before sprinting into the dangerous conditions.“After the first wave, I was unable to pull him out because he was limp and the waves were pushing so hard,” Williams said in a statement.California State Parks said the boy was swept about 15 yards offshore before Williams reached him.Dramatic video captured the teen diving through crashing waves while gripping the limp child, refusing to let go as the surf repeatedly threatened to pull them both back out to sea.When Williams returned home after his shift, he told his father exactly what was going through his mind during the rescue.“He told me when he got home, he said, ‘Dad, I wasn’t going to let go of that kid because I knew if I ...