Teen Lifeguard Honored By President Trump Following Heroic Beach Rescue
on
At only 16 years old, a lifeguard who was working the Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, became a hero in the national spotlight.
Ryder Williams, who is in his first season as a lifeguard with the California State Parks, rescued a 10-year-old boy from the dangerous waters caused by an ocean swell on July 25.
Video of his brave actions — which lasts for just over two minutes — shows how deadly the conditions were, and how committed to saving the 10-year-old boy Williams was.
Among those who saw the video, which was widely circulated online, was Eric Trump, the second eldest son of President Donald Trump.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Eric said on July 28, “Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!”
Later that day, President Trump then reposted a screenshot of Eric’s post on X, writing that Williams would be invited to the White House to receive “a High Civilian Honor.”
On Monday, Aug. 17, Williams was joined by his family, as well as the boy he saved, in the White House where Trump praised him for his bravery.
RELATED: Charlie Kirk To Posthumously Receive The Presidential Medal Of Freedom
Watch The Lifeguard’s Visit With Trump, And Revisit The Dramatic Video Of His Beach Rescue
Meeting in the White House on Aug. 17, President Trump had Ryder Williams and the boy he rescued, Nathaniel Rai, present for a special meeting.
“If that didn’t happen, your life would be ruined?” Trump recalled asking the father of Nathaniel, a man named Summit Rai. Trump said he responded, saying, “It would be a whole different life.”
Summit then stated, “I’m just beyond grateful to [Ryder Williams] … even the good Samaritans who were there … It’s just such a privilege to to be sitting next to them.”
He then added that tomorrow, Aug. 18, will be Nathaniel’s 11th birthday.
Continuing, Trump said, “Maybe lifeguards don’t get the credit they deserve. This really showed how important it is.”
Later, he said, “I’ve seen surfs, I’ve seen rescues. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Trump went on to turn to Nathaniel, joking that he was lucky that he wasn’t the lifeguard that day, adding, “God was watching you, right?”
See that moment, here:
🔥🚨 BREAKING — President Trump calls Heroic Californian Lifeguard Ryder Williams a "REAL HERO"
— The Patriot Oasis™ (@ThePatriotOasis) August 17, 2026
TRUMP: "He's a REAL HERO!" 🔥
"I don't know if I'd do it…I wouldn't, probably."
*Looks at survivor*: "You're lucky I wasn't on service that day! God was watching you! " pic.twitter.com/ovgC0lF2eI
Taking questions, Ryder Williams noted what he relied on his training.
Asked what message he has about the value of service, Williams said, “I hope that everyone can take from this and try to help more people — try to look out for everybody around you.”
Looking forward, Williams said that he hopes to become a firefighter and go through paramedic school.
To that, Trump remarked, “He may have some good recommendations.”
See the stunning video of Williams’ actions on July 25, saving 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai from the sea, here:
Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done! pic.twitter.com/Pq99xNK6WI
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) July 27, 2026
Watch Ryder Williams’ full visit with President Trump in the Oval Office, here:
See Ryder Williams discuss the July 25 incident in a video shared by the California State Parks, here:
