A 10-year-old boy told his father he had "drowned" and "went unconscious" after being swept into the ocean by powerful waves at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz. The incident, which occurred Saturday, led to a dramatic rescue by 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams.
Williams plunged into the "punishing surf" to save the child, identified as Nathaniel, as towering waves and dangerous rip currents battered the shoreline. Nathaniel had been standing in ankle-deep water when swells knocked him off his feet and pulled him into the sea. California State Parks reported the boy was swept approximately 15 yards offshore before Williams reached him.
Video footage captured Williams diving through crashing waves while holding the limp child, determined to bring him back to shore despite the dangerous conditions. Williams stated that after the first wave, he was unable to pull the boy out because he was "limp and the waves were pushing so hard."
Nathaniel's father, Sumit Rai, described the rescue as a "miracle" and expressed deep gratitude for the lifeguard's actions. Rai indicated that the rescue was more perilous than it appeared on video, noting that about 10 people initially entered the water to assist but had to retreat due to the hazardous surf. He also mentioned that a camera operator only spotted his son when a wave briefly revealed the boy's hair.
After being brought to shore, Nathaniel began coughing up sand from his lungs. Although he did not sustain serious physical injuries, Rai said the ordeal left emotional scars on his son, who continues to be affected by the trauma.
Williams, a high school student, has downplayed his heroism, stating in a prepared statement that he is grateful for the opportunity to return the child safely to his family and that this is "my job and I love what I do." He also expressed thankfulness to his fellow lifeguards. His father, retired firefighter Shane Williams, recounted his son telling him, "Dad, I wasn’t going to let go of that kid because I knew if I let go of him he was going to drown, and I wasn’t going to let that happen."
President Trump announced on Tuesday that Ryder Williams will receive a high civilian honor at the White House for his bravery. Rai emphasized the life-saving nature of Williams's actions, noting the extreme danger of the 10-foot waves and rip currents. "What he did, I can never ever repay. I’m forever grateful," Rai told The Associated Press.