What began as an ordinary summer shift on a California beach quickly turned into a life-or-death rescue that has captured national attention. On July 25, 16-year-old rookie lifeguard Ryder Williams plunged into towering waves at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz to save a 10-year-old boy who was being swept away by dangerous surf. Battling powerful breakers and holding on to the child for nearly two minutes until help arrived, Williams' courage helped prevent what the boy's father later described as a likely tragedy. Days after the dramatic rescue, President Donald Trump announced that the teenage lifeguard would be invited to the White House to receive a civilian honour for his bravery.
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