17-year-old Zade Stone-Hinds was surfing off the coast of Santa Cruz, California, enjoying some big waves.
He had just finished his morning surfing session and stepped out of the water when he saw a man still in the water, struggling to keep his head above water.
Zade rushed back in, worked his way through the powerful surf, and was able to drag the man to safety. The daring rescue was successful as the man only sustained a few injuries.
Local officials and witnesses are calling Zade a hero whose rescue “really was amazing.”
While the life-or-death moments could have been overwhelming for others, Zade was ready for the challenge, explaining that he wasn’t “going to hesitate on something like that.”