Teen Lifeguard Rescues 10-Year-Old at Seabright State Beach

A 16-year-old lifeguard at Seabright State Beach in California rescued a 10-year-old boy who was pulled 15 yards offshore by a wave during a high-surf advisory. The teen, Ryder Williams, saw the child struggling near the shoreline, radioed for assistance, and entered the water with a buoy and wrist-fitted fins. He swam to the boy, who was unconscious, and, after several waves, was helped by fellow lifeguard Aaron Bohnen to bring the child back to shore.

The boy’s father, Sumit Rai, said his son had told him he felt he was going to die and expressed gratitude for the rescue, noting the difficulty of carrying the limp child through the surf. Williams said the effort was part of his job and thanked his colleagues for their support.

Following the widely shared video of the incident, President Donald Trump suggested the lifeguard merit a White House visit and a national honor. Rai said he supported any recognition for Williams.