Teen lifeguard saves 10-year-old swept by strong surf at Santa Cruz beach

A 10-year-old boy was swept about 15 yards into the water by sudden 10-foot waves and a strong riptide at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, on Saturday. The child, Nathaniel, lost his footing in ankle-deep water and was pulled into the ocean, prompting a rapid response from a teenage lifeguard.

Ryder Williams, 16, saw the incident, radioed for assistance, and entered the surf to retrieve the boy. After the first wave left the child limp and the sea conditions worsening, Williams dived into an oncoming wave while holding the boy, aided by another lifeguard and bystanders who were instructed to retreat to shore.

"He ran into that water despite those conditions that are deadly. You have 10 foot waves; you have riptides and currents coming in. It is not safe for him to go into that water. So he’s risking his own safety," said Sumit Rai, the boy’s father, speaking to the Associated Press.

California State Parks, which employs the lifeguards at the beach, confirmed that the boy suffered no serious injuries and was released to his family after a medical evaluation. Rai later said his son experienced sand inhalation and ongoing psychological effects from the incident.

"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," Williams said in a statement, adding thanks to his fellow lifeguards.

Rai expressed his intention to thank Williams directly, noting that the rescue could not be repaid.