Fox News- Ryder Williams, a 16-year-old lifeguard, rescued a 10-year-old boy from a dangerous rip tide in Santa Cruz, California.
- Williams described the rescue, stating, 'I was at the waterline 15 yards downcoast of Tower 2 making a safety contact when I looked up and saw a child about 20 (yards) up from the tower lose his footing in ankle deep water.'
- Williams faced significant challenges during the rescue, saying, 'Due to the volatility of the water, I was unable to tube up the victim.'
- President Donald Trump acknowledged Williams' heroics, stating, '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 Honor.'
- Sumit Rai, the boy's father, praised Williams, saying, 'It was a remarkable effort to bring him back to shore. I mean Ryder fought the sea.'
Ryder Williams, a 16-year-old lifeguard, displayed remarkable bravery when he rescued a young boy caught in a dangerous rip tide at Santa Cruz. Williams was stationed 15 yards downcoast of Tower 2 when he noticed the child struggling in ankle-deep water, approximately 20 yards from the tower.123
"I looked up and saw a child about 20 (yards) up from the tower lose his footing in ankle deep water," Williams recounted. Despite the challenging conditions, he was determined to save the boy, stating, "Due to the volatility of the water, I was unable to tube up the victim." Williams expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return the child safely to his family, saying, "I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to return the child to his family safely. This is my job and I love what I do."
President Trump has recognized Williams' heroic actions, announcing plans to honor him with a High Civilian Honor. "It was a remarkable effort to bring him back to shore. I mean Ryder fought the sea," a spokesperson noted, highlighting the lifeguard's courage and commitment to his role. This recognition not only celebrates Williams' bravery but also emphasizes the importance of lifeguards in ensuring beach safety.
“Ryder Williams, 16, described the rescue, stating, 'I was at the waterline 15 yards downcoast of Tower 2 making a safety contact when I looked up and saw a child about 20 (yards) up from the tower lose his footing in ankle deep water.' The boy's father, Sumit Rai, praised Williams, saying, 'It was a remarkable effort to bring him back to shore. I mean Ryder fought the sea.'”
