Sixteen-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams is slated to be recognized at the White House for his bravery in saving a 10-year-old boy from drowning off the coast of Santa Cruz, California.
Nathaniel Rai was swept out by strong waves at Seabright Beach on July 25 while on vacation with his family. Harrowing video footage captured the moments Williams charged into the rough surf to rescue the unconscious boy. The incident occurred in challenging conditions, with 10-foot waves and strong currents.
Nathaniel recalled being hit by a large wave while swimming near the shore and subsequently losing consciousness. "I started screaming for help. I think I saw the lifeguard and then passed out," he told Fox News Digital. His father, Sumit Rai, who was not present during the incident, expressed his terror upon seeing the rescue video, noting the "deadly water conditions."
Williams, who was on duty as a lifeguard, entered the water and managed to pull Nathaniel to safety amidst the powerful waves. Other lifeguards and bystanders also assisted in the rescue effort on the shore. Nathaniel regained consciousness and began breathing again once brought to land, though he was coughing up sand.
Following the widely publicized rescue, Donald Trump announced his intention to invite Williams to the White House to receive a High Civilian Honor. The Rai family has expressed full support for this recognition.
Shane Williams, Ryder's father, shared his pride in his son's actions, stating, "He sees [what happened Saturday] as his job – his duty. He did his job that day." Ryder Williams described the rescue as difficult, noting Nathaniel's limp body and the strong waves pushing him away. He credited his fellow lifeguards, including Aaron Bohnen, for their assistance.
"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." He also expressed gratitude for his colleagues who perform similar rescues daily.
The Rai family and the Williams family have developed a bond since the incident, bonding over shared interests. Sumit Rai and Ryder's father have become friends, with Sumit noting that his father is a retired firefighter, an occupation he supports through his charity work screening firefighters for cancer risk.