Santa Cruz lifeguards open up after saving lives in partial wharf collapse : ‘Waves came in and got higher’ [Video]

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KGO) — Days after the partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf, the lifeguards behind the rescues of construction workers are speaking about the moments they sprang into action.

“Myself and Lieutenant Hofmann could see the wharf collapsing into the ocean,” said Lt. Isaiah Mullen, a lifeguard with the Santa Cruz Fire Department.

Lieutenants Mullen and Sam Hofmann had seconds to act, and on jet skis rushed toward the debris.

“We could see the true scope of what had happened, the amount of wharf that was in the water, the buildings and structures that were still standing on it and two individuals standing on the wreckage waving us down for help,” Mullen said.

RELATED: Santa Cruz officials say lifeguards who witnessed wharf collapse rescued victims

All the while, the two lifeguards were still dealing with the powerful waves.

“When the waves came in and got higher, it caused the tide to suck in, …