SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Twenty-year-old Capitola resident Sarah Acosta and five Santa Cruz surfers were awarded with American Red Cross National Lifesaving Awards at this year’s 2026 Red Cross Central Coast Awards Ceremony in recognition of their lifesaving water rescues.

Sarah Acosta Awarded the Certificate of Merit

Using her recent lifeguard training, Sarah navigated strong currents and a shallow reef to bring her mother safely to shore. For rescuing her mother from dangerous ocean conditions in Waialua, Oahu, Sarah received one of the highest Red Cross honors.

Having been certified in, “Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid” from the Red Cross just eight months prior, Sarah was grateful for her instructor’s insistence on repeating lifesaving methods. “It gave me the confidence I needed. I am so thankful for that because I knew just what to do,” she said. 

• View her photos here and video interview here.
• View her story here.

Local Surfers Awarded the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action

On a sunny Saturday in February, a boat carrying a family of six capsized in big surf at Steamer Lane. Both parents, and four children under the age of ten, were thrown into the cold water and ten-foot waves. A group of around fifteen surfers who were surfing near middle peak at the time saved the entire family. Among those surfers were Darryl “Flea” Virostko, Mike Dilloughery, Ian Anderson, Emilio Puhvel, and Forrest Cook. They were honored for their quick action that saved lives that day, and they represent the larger group of surfers who were involved in the rescue, many of whom were never identified.

One of the surfers reflected, “When someone’s in trouble, we always come together to help that person,” embodying the spirit of Red Cross mission through their community.

• View their photos here.

Get Trained

Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and save a life. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.

Nominate Somone

If you or someone you know has used skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain the life of another individual, visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate, recognize, or be inspired.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.