A teenage lifeguard who saved a 10-year-old boy from powerful surf in Santa Cruz will be recognized with a high civilian honor at the White House, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday. Ryder Williams, 16, was lauded for his bravery after plunging into the churning waves at Seabright Beach on Saturday to rescue the young swimmer.
Trump wrote on social media that he intends to bring the heroic young man and his family to the White House, possibly with the boy he saved. "Very brave, he deserves it!" Trump stated.
Williams' family revealed that his actions that day extended beyond the widely publicized rescue. According to his grandfather, George Williams, the teen lifeguard participated in five rescues during his Saturday shift, including two after saving the 10-year-old that were described as more dangerous. His father, Shane Williams, a retired firefighter, said his son is a humble individual who simply wants to serve and protect his community.
"He just wants to be a kid and work hard this summer and serve and protect his community," Shane Williams said. "I’m really proud of him. He’s an amazing kid."
The rescue occurred when powerful waves pulled the 10-year-old swimmer into the surf. Witnesses watched from shore as Ryder Williams entered the water and battled the waves to bring the boy back to safety. The incident left Williams with minor injuries, including scrapes on his forehead from holding onto the child.
Ryder Williams, who is preparing to start his junior year of high school, has returned to his lifeguard duties. His father mentioned that his son has expressed interest in a career in the fire service.
"He told me when he got home, he said, ‘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,’ and it brought a tear to my eye when he said that," Shane Williams recalled. "It was pretty amazing."
Ryder Williams downplayed the attention, telling his family, "It was all in a day’s work. This is what I do."