The family of 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams is finalizing plans for a visit to the White House after President Donald Trump vowed to honor the teenager for his role in a dramatic rescue. Williams saved a 10-year-old boy who was pulled into deep water by a powerful wave at Seabright Beach on July 25.
Trump announced his intention to invite Williams to Washington, D.C., and present him with a high civilian honor following the viral spread of video footage depicting the rescue. Williams' father, Shane Williams, a retired firefighter, confirmed that the White House has been in contact with the family. "The White House has contacted us but there’s been no official date or time," Shane Williams told The California Post.
Ryder Williams became an overnight hero after he battled an 8-to-10-foot sneaker wave to reach the 10-year-old boy, Nathaniel Rai, who had lost consciousness in the water. A fellow lifeguard, Aaron Bohnen, assisted Williams, and together they brought Rai safely to shore, where he was revived. The boy is expected to make a full recovery.
Shane Williams stated that while the attention has been overwhelming, the family is looking forward to returning to a sense of normalcy. Ryder is preparing to start high school and resume playing water polo. "We just want to get back to normal life and let him start high school and start playing water polo," his father said. He added, "I would love to take my son there and I think he deserves that."
The rescue occurred during a particularly busy day for Santa Cruz district lifeguards, who performed 34 rescues. Ryder Williams is reportedly not conducting interviews outside of those arranged through California State Parks. His father declined to provide details on travel plans to Washington or whether Ryder would meet with Nathaniel Rai, stating that updates would be provided through State Parks.