Strong storms have pounded Santa Cruz in recent years, most notably collapsing a chunk of its wharf this week. Is it just bad luck?

"Mother Nature holds the cards," Santa Cruz Assistant City Manager Michelle Templeton said at a news conference this week. "We do know that these west swells are continuing to grow in severity, and we'll continue to assess the damage that's been ongoing to determine how we're going to proceed."

Strong storms have repeatedly pounded Santa Cruz in recent years, most notably collapsing a chunk of its wharf this week. Is it just bad luck that has left the coastal city vulnerable to dangerous surf?

Days after the partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf, the lifeguards behind the rescues are speaking about the moments they sprang into action.

A part of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed Monday afternoon during a high-surf warning, with authorities confirming two people had to be pulled from the water.