US President Donald Trump has said he wants to honour 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams after the teenager rescued a young boy from powerful waves at a California beach. Trump said he plans to invite Williams and his family to the White House and is considering presenting him with a high civilian honour for his actions.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
The incident happened on Saturday at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California, and the videos of it quickly went viral, showing Williams fighting through rough surf while holding on to the child. The footage showed both of them repeatedly disappearing beneath large crashing waves before finally reaching the shore safely.
After watching the rescue video, US president Donald Trump praised the teenager on social media and said his bravery deserved national recognition. "We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honour. Very brave, he deserves it!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
California State Parks later confirmed to Fox News Digital that the lifeguard seen in the video was 16-year-old Ryder Williams. The agency said the rescue took place while Williams was on duty at Seabright State Beach.
According to California State Parks, the incident happened at around 3.32 pm on Saturday. Officials said Williams was on a safety patrol when he saw a child lose balance after being hit by a wave.
The child was then swept about 15 yards offshore by the water. One State Parks lifeguard first reached the child in the water before another lifeguard entered to assist with the rescue.
Officials said the child was safely brought back to shore without suffering serious injuries. After being checked, the child was reunited with his parents.
