A 16-year-old rookie lifeguard described his decisive action during a dramatic ocean rescue at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, an event that has drawn national attention and praise from President Donald Trump. Ryder Williams stated that as towering waves crashed around him, his singular thought was, “I wasn’t going to let go of that kid.”
Williams was in his first year as a California State Parks lifeguard when he spotted 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai lose his footing in shallow water. The child was then swept into deep water by powerful waves.
"He was going to drown, and I wasn’t going to let that happen," Williams told his father, retired firefighter Shane Williams, after the rescue. According to Williams, he radioed in the emergency, dropped his radio and sunglasses at the base of his tower, and put on his fins before entering the water with his buoy.
Due to the rough conditions, Williams was unable to get the child into a flotation device. He noted that the child had gone limp as waves repeatedly crashed over them. Another lifeguard, Aaron Bohnen, reached them after additional waves hit. Williams instructed bystanders who had attempted to help to return to shore.
After bringing Nathaniel safely to the beach, Williams retrieved medical equipment for the boy to be assessed. He then returned to his tower and completed his shift.
"I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to return the child to his family safely," Williams said. "This is my job and I love what I do."
The rescue has garnered significant praise, with President Trump announcing his intention to invite Williams to the White House to present him with a high civilian honor. Officials stated that Williams had been assigned to Tower 2 and had been actively engaging in safety contacts throughout the day due to heavy crowds and dangerous surf conditions.