Seasonal Lifeguards Rescue Child During Significant Surf at Seabright State Beach
Story from Bryan J. Kine, Santa Cruz District, and Communications and Marketing Division
 Screenshot from a video of the rescue taken by Scott Vander Dussen // @Santacruznow. Click the link below to hear from Seasonal Lifeguard Ryder Williams describing the rescue in his own words.
Santa Cruz District lifeguards performed more than 30 rescues over the weekend of July 25-26 and more than over 5,000 preventative contacts were made that also resulted in countless other rescues avoided along the coastline. One of those rescues was captured on video by Scott Vander Dussen of santacruznow on Instagram at Seabright State Beach (SB) that involved Seasonal Lifeguard I Ryder Williams. The rescue has received millions of views on social media and has garnered national coverage, including an invitation for Ryder to the White House to receive a special recognition for his heroic efforts.
During the weekend, there was a significant south swell event that brought hazardous surf and exceptionally busy beach conditions to Santa Cruz County. A High Surf Advisory was in effect as consistent 4-6-foot surf, with occasional sets estimated at 8-10 feet on the face, produced powerful shore break and rapidly forming flash rip currents along Seabright SB.
Around 3:30 p.m., Ryder was making preventative safety contacts near Tower 2 when he observed a 10-year-old child lose footing in ankle-deep water and become trapped in the impact zone. He immediately radioed the emergency, deployed his rescue tube and entered the surf. Heavy breaking waves and strong water movement repeatedly submerged both the lifeguard and the child, preventing immediate extraction. Despite the violent conditions, he maintained control of the victim while directing bystanders attempting to assist to remain out of the water to avoid creating additional victims.
Seasonal Lifeguard II Aaron Bohnen arrived within minutes and entered the surf to assist. Working together, the two lifeguards safely brought the child to shore, where he was evaluated by lifeguards and released to a parent on scene without serious injury.
Ryder said that he’s “grateful to have had the opportunity to return the child to his family safely. This is my job and I love what I do. I’m thankful to my fellow lifeguards who perform rescues just like this every day.”
Aaron, who assisted with the rescue, said, “Ryder did an excellent job, and that goes to show that our training and mentors prepare us for dynamic situations like this. Any other lifeguard would have done the same thing on that day, and we did what we’ve been trained to do. We're extremely grateful to do this as our job."
The rescue occurred during one of the busiest beach days in recent years for the Santa Cruz District, with lifeguards responding to numerous water rescues throughout the day as large surf and warm weather drew heavy crowds to the coastline. Williams alone completed five rescues during his shift, including this incident.
The professionalism, decisive action and teamwork demonstrated by Williams and Bohnen exemplify the California State Parks lifeguard mission of protecting visitors through prevention, preparedness and rescue.
Our permanent and seasonal lifeguards are an invaluable asset to California State Parks. Their constant watch, quick actions and dedication protect Californians and visitors from around the world every day.
State Parks employs approximately 600 seasonal lifeguards every summer and there are around 70 permanent lifeguards working in the department. On average, state park lifeguards make 1 million preventative actions, and 10,000 rescues every year. Since July 1, 2026, lifeguards have performed 110,000 preventative actions, 3,600 rescues and over 1,600 medical aids.
Today is also International Lifeguard Appreciation Day, a great reminder to honor and celebrate the work lifeguards do every day. Watch our video of our State Parks lifeguards at work here.
 Top: Seabright SB experienced a busy day on July 25. Bottom left and right: Seasonal Lifeguard I Ryder Williams on duty at Tower 2 and rushing to a rescue on July 25. Photos from Santa Cruz District.
Statements from Lifeguards Ryder Williams and Aaron Bohnen
Story from: Santa Cruz District
 Seasonal Lifeguard I Ryder Williams. Photo from Santa Cruz District.
Statement from Seasonal Lifeguard I Ryder Williams:
“I was at the waterline 15 yards downcoast of Tower 2 making a safety contact when I looked up and saw a child about 20 (yards) up from the tower lose his footing in ankle-deep water. I radioed it in, threw my radio and sunglasses at the base of my tower as I ran toward the kid. I put my fins on my wrist, popped my buoy and entered the water to get ahold of the child. Due to the volatility of the water, I was unable to tube up the victim. After the first wave, I was unable to pull him out because he was limp and the waves were pushing so hard. There were two to three more waves before lifeguard Aaron Bohnen entered the water to help me. There were bystanders who jumped in to try to help, and I yelled at them all to get back to shore.
Once Bohnen and I got the kid to shore I was instructed to get the med bag from Bohnen’s unit and we assessed the child. Shortly after, I got back into my tower where I returned to provide lifeguard services for the rest of my shift.
I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to return the child to his family safely. This is my job and I love what I do. I’m thankful to my fellow lifeguards who perform rescues just like this every day.”
Statement from Seasonal Lifeguard II Aaron Bohnen:
"I was patrolling Seabright State Beach on Saturday, when dispatch reported a single victim rescue nearby. I quickly responded to his location to find Ryder and several bystanders attempting to pull the victim out of the water. After notifying our dispatch, I entered the water to assist, directing the bystanders to get out of the water so that no one else would be put in danger. After getting hit by a few waves 6-8 feet high, Ryder and I were able to get a good grip on the victim and bring him up to the dry sand so we could check his condition and treat him.
Ryder did an excellent job, and that goes to show that our training and mentors prepare us for dynamic situations like this. Any other lifeguard would have done the same thing on that day, and we did what we’ve been trained to do. We're extremely grateful to do this as our job."
State Parks encourages visitors to keep several water safety tips in mind when visiting our parks:
- Summertime south swells often have long intervals between sets of waves, which can lend to a false sense of security due to conditions appearing calm even during periods of high surf.
- Always thoroughly observe ocean conditions before entering the water, and/or always check in with a lifeguard before entering the water if one is available.
- Parents should be within arms reach of their children if they are playing in the water or on the waterline at all times.
- DO NOT attempt rescues! Stay high and dry, always maintain a visual of the victim, and be ready to flag down responders. Many cases have been made more dangerous by bystanders attempting rescues, putting themselves in a position beyond their abilities.
- Seconds matter. If you see a person in distress, please call 911 immediately. If you aren’t sure if someone is in distress, call 911, and first responders can verify the situation.
- Beware of constantly changing conditions; tides and swell variables can quickly change a safe day at the beach into dangerous conditions.
- Never turn your back on the ocean. Always swim near a lifeguard.
Multiple Agencies Host Sac-Yolo River Blitz
Story from: Jesse Zamora, Boating and Waterways Division
 Over 30 vessels and other equipment from multiple agencies were on patrol during the recent Sac-Yolo River Blitz. Photos from California State Parks.
Multiple agencies converged at the Sacramento River last weekend for the 2026 Sac-Yolo River Blitz. Hosted by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, Sacramento Police Department and Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, multiple agencies assisted in patrolling and educating the public on boating safety.
Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez headlined a list of guest speakers at the Sacramento Yacht Club. Fernandez emphasized the need for continuing to build on existing partnerships, as well as the need for training to provide enforcement continuity throughout the state. Local officials highlighted the impact of the work performed by marine units, contributing to the safety of the community. Rhonda Campbell, a representative from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, also showed her support for the event by promoting safe and sober boating.
Participating agencies collaborated by providing over 30 vessels for the event, including jet boats, jets skis, patrol vehicles and a helicopter. These units were dispatched and coordinated by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department mobile command center. All units were briefed and given guidance on radio communication and procedures for various scenarios prior to launch. Vessels were dispatched evenly along the Sacramento River, with problem areas identified and discussed in advance so they were given the needed attention throughout the evening.
While vessel stops and citations issued during enforcement activities like the Sac-Yolo River Blitz reflect the hard work of marine patrols, they do not reveal the true impact of the event. For example, individuals who engage in illegal activity, including operating a boat while impaired, often times choose to get off the water when this display of law enforcement is visible, preventing tragic accidents before they can occur.
These events exemplify the mission of DBW and so many of its partners: to provide safe and convenient public access to California's waterways and leadership in promoting safe, enjoyable and environmentally sound recreational boating.
'Shakespeare in the Parks' at Two Inland Empire District Parks
Story from: Teri Pope, Inland Empire District
 Top: Shakespeare Kids Camp teachers, students, and cast members smile for the camera before the campers’ performance at California Citrus State Historic Park: Photo from Wendi Johnson, Full Circle Players. Bottom right and middle left: Cast members during the "Twelfth Night" performance. Photos from Holden Stackhouse. Bottom left: Campers and locals enjoying the performance on a warm evening at the Lake Perris State Recreation Center Campfire Center. Photo from Wendi Johnson.
Face it, summer isn’t summer without Shakespeare, at least in the Inland Empire District. For the fourth year in a row, the district has partnered with Full Circle Players, a nonprofit with a mission of “theatre for all,” to present Shakespeare in the Park at California Citrus State Historic Park (SHP) and Lake Perris State Recreation Area (SRA) in July. This year’s show was “Twelfth Night,” a lusty, funny and relatable play full of mistaken identities, love and comedy. Full Circle Players present a family-friendly and slightly shorter version of the show to make Shakespeare’s plays accessible to as many people as possible.
The play was first presented for three nights, July 9-11, at California Citrus SHP’s lovely amphitheater under the stars. Over 200 visitors laughed, sang along and clapped to Shakespeare’s lively work performed by a wonderful cast of actors and crew. The play was enhanced by a weeklong Kids Shakespeare Camp that featured five full days of kids ages 8-17 learning about the Bard’s language and performance. The camp was concluded with a performance of their own version of “Twelfth Night” before the July 10 main show performance, which was heartily enjoyed by the audience.
After stops at other Riverside County parks, the final performance of “Twelfth Night” was at the Campfire Center of Lake Perris SRA on July 25. Before an audience ranging from camping families to locals, we bid farewell to a story of lost twins and mistaken identities. When the applause settled, audience and cast had shared smiles, songs, lovely weather and beautiful language in celebration of the Bard.
Full Circle Players is able to provide these experiences to the community with the help of a Parks California Arts in California Parks mini-grant and a grant from the Riverside County Arts and Culture Commission as well as donations from the public. Full Circle Players said they are eternally grateful to these organizations and sponsors for all that they do now and in the future to bring arts to Inland Empire audiences.
State Parks Hosts Outdoor Youth Connections Camp at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Story from: Baron Parks, Office of Community Involvement
 Karen Feldheim, an environmental scientist from State Parks' Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, shares wildlife exhibits at Henry Cowell State Park. Photo from Lovella Sein-Colon, Office of Community Involvement.
State Parks' Office of Community Involvement (OCI) was excited to welcome youth from the Cordova Recreation and Park District, Vacaville Police Activities League (PAL), County Park Friends (Santa Cruz), San Mateo Sheriff's Activities League and Santa Barbara PAL to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park for a three-day, two-night Outdoor Youth Connections camp.
Campers built leadership skills while exploring California's natural resources through wildlife education, scavenger hunts and night hikes. Environmental Scientist Karen Feldheim, from State Parks' Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, led a hands-on wildlife program, providing animal pelts, instruction on scat identification and binoculars for wildlife observation.
Outdoor Youth Connections introduces young people to California's state parks through immersive outdoor experiences that foster leadership, environmental stewardship, teamwork and meaningful connections to the outdoors. Interested in sharing your expertise or serving as a guest presenter for a future Outdoor Youth Connections program? Learn more through the Office of Community Involvement or contact us at oci@parks.ca.gov.
History, Boating and Off-Roading: Three Commission Meetings to be Hosted in Northern California Next Week
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 Touring aquatic sites around San Francisco Bay, off-roading in Tahoe National Forest, and reviewing nominations for 13 historic properties throughout the state, three of State Parks’ four public commissions will be busy next week during separate meetings throughout Northern California.
The California Boating and Waterways Commission will host a tour of several sites in Richardson and San Francisco bays and hold its quarterly meeting in San Francisco. The tour begins at 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, in Sausalito and is open to the public. The Commission meeting will follow on Tuesday, Aug. 4, beginning at 9 a.m., in San Francisco. In addition to staff reports, topics include program updates on the For-Hire Operator Licensing and For-Hire Vessel Carrier Insurance programs, Yacht and Ship Program, and Aquatic Center Grant Program.
The California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission will meet in Kings Beach in the north shore of Lake Tahoe at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 5. Topics include discussion on soil conservation and wildlife habitat conservation plans, a general update on the budget and a report from the Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division. On Friday, Aug. 6, commissioners will participate in the annual off-highway vehicle Sierra Trek in Tahoe National Forest. While the event is open to the public, participants are encouraged to register in advance and are required to provide their own vehicles.
On Friday, Aug. 6, 13 properties throughout the state will be considered for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places by the State Historical Resources Commission. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in Sacramento. Approved nominations will be forwarded to the National Park Service for final consideration. Full details of all properties nominated may be found on the pending nominations website.
For the meeting and tour agendas and full details, visit parks.ca.gov/PublicNotices. Participants may attend the commission meetings in person or virtually through CAL-SPAN. Registration links to join the meetings virtually are available on the commission webpages. California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance can find information on the commission webpages.
USA Surfing Junior Championships held at San Onofre State Beach's Lower Trestles
Story from: Shauna Hull, Orange Coast District
 Surfers captured at Lower Trestles, San Onofre State Beach, during the YSA Surfing Junior Championships. A perfect warmup for Olympic surfing events to be held here in 2028. Photos from Kurt Steinmetz, photographer.
San Onofre State Beach’s (SB's) Lower Trestles was host of the USA Surfing Junior Championships June 16-20, widely considered the crown jewel of American youth surfing. Often referred to as the "Super Bowl of youth surfing," the event brings together the nation's top under-18 surfers, who earn their spots through highly competitive East Coast, West Coast and Hawaii regional qualifiers. National champions are crowned in Under (U) 12, U14, U16 and U18 divisions for both boys and girls.
Beyond the competition, the event plays a critical role in developing the next generation of elite American surfers. Strong performances at Lower Trestles are a primary pathway to selection for the USA Surfing Junior National Team, which prepares athletes to represent the United States at international competitions such as the International Surfing Association World Junior Surfing Championship.
The championships also hold special significance because Lower Trestles is the surfing venue for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This year's event provided an opportunity for athletes to compete on the same world-class waves where Olympic medals will be decided in just two years. It also gave LA28 organizers and partners an opportunity to observe operations and logistics at the venue.
Lower Trestles is renowned worldwide for its remarkably consistent, high-performance waves. Breaking over a cobblestone reef, the waves offer perfectly peeling lefts and rights that allow surfers to showcase progressive maneuvers and aerials. The break has helped launch the careers of many of surfing's biggest stars, including Olympic gold medalist Caroline Marks and World Tour standouts Griffin Colapinto and Caity Simmers.
The event is also a great reminder of the role State Parks plays in providing access to world-class recreation opportunities. Athletes, families, coaches and spectators made the trek down the trail to Lower Trestles to experience one of the most iconic surfing venues in the world while enjoying the natural beauty of San Onofre SB.
Railtown 1897 Celebrates Summertime with Spectacular Sunset Special Evening Train Rides on Aug. 15 and 29
Story from: California State Railroad Museum
 Locomotive Sierra No. 3 will be pulling the rides. Photo courtesy of Kevin Hecteman.
This is your chance to spend a summer evening riding a historic train through California’s Gold Country. In proud partnership with the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown is celebrating summertime with family-friendly Sunset Special train rides on two upcoming Saturday evenings – Aug. 15 and 29. The rides are bound to be memorable as they will be pulled by the world-famous Movie Star Locomotive Sierra No. 3*.
Leading up to the evening train rides, guests of all ages will be greeted on the boarding deck with a complimentary Sunset Lemonade and salty treat. The special train ride experiences will offer unique and picture-perfect views and vistas like none other.
Seating is limited so interested guests are encouraged to get advance tickets early; doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the train departs at 7:30 p.m. Sunset Special train ride tickets cost $28 for adults, $20 for youth ages 6-17, $23 for adult members, $18 for youth members, and are free for children five and under. If still available on the day of the train ride, tickets can be purchased at the Depot Store on a first-come, first-served basis.
More information and advance train ride tickets for the Sunset Special train rides are available via this link. And, for more information about Railtown 1897’s events and activities and the park in general, please visit railtown1897.org or call 209-983-3953.
*Motive power subject to change on short notice on account of weather, mechanical or personnel factors
 PARTNER NEWS
Parks California Releases 2025 Annual Report
Story and photo from: Parks California
 Route to Parks grants program grantee City of Dreams hosted its Youth to Parks project at Candlestick Point Recreation Area.
Parks California has released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of partnership and impact across California's public lands. The report showcases how in partnership with California State Parks and collaborating with tribal communities, nonprofits and supporters helped expand access to parks, advance climate resilience and build a more inclusive and resilient park system for the future.
The report highlights stories and milestones from across the state, including community-led transportation, arts and education programs, climate stewardship initiatives, workforce development and innovative planning efforts that strengthen California's public lands. Read Parks California's 2025 Annual Report to learn more about the partnerships and programs shaping California's parks.
  Submit your photos via this Weekly Digest Submission Form or send them to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov with the subject line “Summer Starts Here Photo Contest.”
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