President Donald Trump met with a teenage lifeguard and the young boy he rescued from a powerful ocean wave at the White House on Monday, honoring the 16-year-old as a hero.
Ryder Williams, a California State Parks lifeguard, was recognized for saving 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai, who was swept into the ocean by strong surf on July 25. The dramatic rescue was captured on video and circulated widely online, prompting an invitation to the White House.
"It's an honor to be with Ryder Williams," Trump said in the Oval Office. "I understand he was a winner right from the time they first saw him as a lifeguard. He saved this young gentleman who I had a long talk with."
Trump praised Williams, calling his actions "incredible" and stating the teen is an inspiration to young Americans. Williams, who aspires to be a firefighter, said he relied on his training during the dangerous rescue.
"In those dangerous moments that we have, we always try to fall back on our training," Williams told reporters. "We are trained so well by many to handle that situation as best we can."
Williams, on duty at the time of the incident, rushed to help Rai when he was pulled into the water. The boy was struggling in 8-to-10-foot waves and rip currents until another lifeguard assisted in bringing both to shore. Williams noted the importance of looking out for others.
"I hope that everybody can take away from this and try to help more people. Try to look out for everybody around you and just try to help everybody out as much as you can," he added.
Nathaniel's father, Sumit Rai, expressed his gratitude to Williams, stating he is "beyond grateful" for his son's rescue. The president also commented on the vital role lifeguards play and suggested they may not always receive adequate recognition.
"Maybe lifeguards don't get the credit they deserve," Trump said. The meeting included Williams' family and Nathaniel Rai's family.