A recent dramatic rescue by a 16-year-old lifeguard in California has reignited calls to officially designate lifeguards as first responders, a status that could help professionalize the field and address a national shortage of trained personnel. The incident involved Ryder Williams, a California State Parks lifeguard, who on July 25, World Drowning Prevention Day, pulled an unconscious 10-year-old boy from the rough surf at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz.
Williams was on duty when Nathaniel Rai, who had been wading in shallow water, was swept into the ocean by a wave. The rookie lifeguard entered the water, secured the boy, and held on through powerful waves until a fellow lifeguard arrived to assist in bringing them both ashore. Video footage of the rescue gained widespread attention online.
Despite performing roles similar to other first responders, lifeguards in California are not officially recognized as such by the state. While lifeguards in many California cities, counties, and agencies function as first responders within local fire departments, this designation has not been formalized at the state level. Advocates argue that official recognition would ensure lifeguards receive appropriate support and resources, fostering a stronger foundation for their life-saving work.
This push for official status is occurring against a backdrop of increasing drowning incidents nationwide. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, drownings in the U.S. have risen to approximately 4,500 annually, up from about 4,000. Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14. In Florida alone, 87 child drowning fatalities have been reported this year, putting the state on track to exceed last year's total of 120.
Most child drownings happen during unsupervised periods, outside of designated swim times. The lifeguard shortage is a significant factor contributing to the increased risk, with 38% of aquatic facilities nationwide reporting staffing challenges last year, according to a 2026 Aquatic Trends Report. This leaves many beaches, pools, and waterways with insufficient supervision.
To combat the shortage and professionalize the role, proponents suggest increasing lifeguard pay to reflect the critical nature of the job, enhancing training standards, and creating clearer career pathways into aquatic management or emergency medical services. States like Hawaii and New Jersey have already granted official first responder status to their lifeguards, a move proponents believe aids in recruitment and retention.
The efforts to elevate the status of lifeguards are also supported by foundations and coalitions formed in memory of those lost in the line of duty. The Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation, established after a Newport Beach lifeguard died rescuing a swimmer in 2014, funds scholarships and supports water safety initiatives. These legacies underscore the risks lifeguards undertake and the importance of investing in their profession.