Teen lifeguard Ryder Williams saves boy from California surf, Trump invites him to White House
A 16-year-old rookie lifeguard pulled a 10-year-old boy from powerful waves at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California, on Saturday. President Donald Trump has invited him to the White House to receive a high civilian honour.
The rescue
At 15:32 local time on Saturday 25 July, a 10-year-old boy was swept about 15 yards offshore at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California. 16-year-old rookie lifeguard Ryder Williams sprinted into the surf and reached the child as a series of violent waves crashed over them, repeatedly dragging both underwater. A second lifeguard soon joined the effort, and several beachgoers waded in to help, initially attempting a human chain that the force of the water forced back. At one point, a wave completely submerged Williams and the boy for roughly 10 seconds; they reappeared further along the beach. The rescuers eventually dragged the child to shore by his arms and legs to prevent the current from pulling him back. The operation lasted just over two minutes. Paramedics evaluated the boy on the sand, finding him visibly battered but in stable condition, and later released him to his parents, a California State Parks spokesperson confirmed.
- Ryder Williams enters the water to reach the boy swept 15 yards offshore.
- A second lifeguard assists as waves repeatedly submerge the pair.
- Rescuers drag the boy onto the sand after just over two minutes.
- Paramedics assess the boy and release him to his parents in stable condition.
Viral video and reaction
Bystander Scott Vander Dussem recorded the rescue. His footage shows Williams gripping the boy as the surf tosses them, with other men attempting a human chain that the force of the water initially breaks apart. The video spread rapidly across social media, drawing widespread praise.
It [the waves] caught a lot of people off-guard. Unfortunately, this young man was overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment's time.
White House invitation
President Donald Trump reacted to the video on Truth Social, announcing he would invite Williams and his family to the White House to receive a high civilian distinction. Trump described the lifeguard as "very brave" and said he deserved the honour. Eric Trump also commented, calling the rescue "truly the best of America" and urging the highest civilian award.
We are going to invite this heroic young man and his family to the White House, along with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to grant him a high civilian distinction. He was very brave and deserves it!
Give this sixteen-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian award. This is truly the best of America! Well done!
Dangerous conditions
The rescue was one of at least 25 reported that Saturday in Santa Cruz County, as large swells battered the shoreline. Witnesses said the sea had been relatively calm before the waves turned violent, catching swimmers off guard. High surf advisories were in effect, and local authorities had already responded to dozens of water emergencies along the coast. The sudden change in conditions contributed to the number of rescues, with the boy's ordeal highlighting the peril.
