Teen Lifeguard Rescues 10-Year-Old from Rough Waves, Praised by President

On a Saturday at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams plunged into powerful waves to save a 10-year-old boy who was struggling in the surf. The dramatic rescue, captured on video, was hailed as heroic and drew praise from President Donald Trump, who said Ryder would be awarded a high civilian honor. The boy’s father, Sumit Rai, called the incident a miracle and expressed admiration for Ryder, calling himself the teen’s biggest fan.

Ryder’s father, retired firefighter Shane Williams, said his son described the act as “all in a day’s work,” and his grandfather noted the teen had already completed five rescues that shift. While the story attracted national attention, Ryder returned to his lifeguard station within days and is contemplating a career in fire service, following his father’s example.