A witness documented the dramatic water rescue at Seabright Beach.
In the video, you can see a lifeguard being overcome by the waves as they tried to bring a struggling swimmer to the shore.
Good Samaritans also went in to help, but at least one of them also was swallowed up by the water.
"You know there were probably a dozen people that helped.. and they formed like a human chain because at first you see a couple of people run out, and then they felt the intensity of the waves. And, we didn't want to have to see more people to have to be rescued, so I think I they say that, so they retreated and kind of regrouped," said Scott Vander Dussen, who witnessed the rescue.
"Those bystanders, we appreciate their eagerness to help. But, often we find that leads more problems because they get swept off their feet. Now, we're having to deal with them and other equipment and gear. You know it can create other problems there, so we're really thankful that nobody else injured or pulled out," said Byran Kine, lifeguard supervisor at Santa Cruz State Parks.
After several harrowing minutes, the lifeguards and young boy were able to make it safely to shore.
Huge waves battered the Santa Cruz County Coastline this weekend with lifeguards jumping into the ocean to save 25 people.
The National Weather Service says some breaking waves reached heights of ten feet.
Officials say those large swells are expected to last through the week.
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