President Trump on Monday hailed the heroics of a 16-year-old lifeguard who saved a boy caught in the rugged Californian surf in late July.
Ryder Williams, 16, rescued 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai from rolling waves at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz. A clip of it went viral online, catching Mr. Trump’s attention.
“What you did was incredible, and everybody saw it,” Mr. Trump told Ryder in the Oval Office, where the president hosted the teen and his family.
Nathaniel lost his footing in rough water along the beach, causing Ryder to rush in and lift him from the surf as they contended with waves crashing over them.
“It got a lot of publicity because of the ferocity of the waves,” Mr. Trump said. “The waves get really tough in that area, and they’re swirling, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s gonna be tough — or if you’re small, or if you’re young.”
A second lifeguard, Aaron Bohnen, assisted Ryder and the boy toward the end of the rescue and was present for the Oval Office ceremony.
“He helped you a lot,” Mr. Trump said.
“Yes, sir,” Ryder said.
“Thank you very much. Great job, fantastic,” the president said.
Nathaniel, the boy they saved, sat on a couch nearby with his dad.
“You’re gonna have a long and beautiful life,” Mr. Trump told Nathaniel.
The president’s son, Eric Trump, had reposted a video of the rescue after it hit the internet.
“Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!” Eric Trump said July 27 on X.
His father watched the video and agreed, saying he would bring the boy to the White House.
In front of the television cameras, reporters asked Ryder if there was a lesson for the public.
“Try to look out for everybody around you. Just try to help everybody out as much as you can,” Ryder said.
Ryder’s father, Shane Williams, said he “couldn’t be more proud,” and Mr. Trump told his mother, Shannon Williams, that she “did a good job” raising her son.
“It’s good genetics,” Mr. Trump said.
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