Indian-American boy swept into ocean during family beach trip in California; teen lifeguard’s rescue goes viral
16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams who rescued a young Indian-American boy Nathaniel Rai from powerful waves at a California beach, has earned widespread praise on social media.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.
All about Ryder Williams
- Ryder Williams is a 16-year-old State Parks lifeguard in California. California State Parks confirmed his identity after videos of the rescue went viral online.
- Williams was working at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz when he spotted a child being knocked over by a wave and swept into the ocean.
- Videos of the rescue showed him refusing to let go of the child while battling heavy surf. Both disappeared beneath crashing waves several times before reaching the beach safely.
- According to California State Parks, the rescue happened during Williams’ duty at around 3.32 pm on Saturday. The child was rescued without serious injuries and later returned to his parents.
Reports said this may have been Williams’ first season working as a lifeguard. California State Parks requires State lifeguards to be at least 16 years old.- Witnesses said that after bringing the child safely to shore, Williams ran past his lifeguard tower to get further assistance as paramedics arrived. After the emergency was over, he reportedly returned to his post and continued watching over beachgoers for the rest of the evening.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Williams said he was grateful the child was safely reunited with his family. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to return the child to his family safely,” he said. “This is my job and I love what I do. I’m thankful to my fellow lifeguards who perform rescues just like this every day.”The rescued boy’s father Sumit Rai, described his son’s survival as a miracle and thanked 16-year-old Ryder Williams for saving his life. Speaking to The California Post, Rai said he was so grateful to the teenage lifeguard. “Gratefully, he’s alive. It’s a miracle,” Rai said. “I’m so grateful to that lifeguard, Ryder.”
Ryder Williams with his father Shane
Several public figures also praised the teenager. Eric Trump shared the video on social media and said Williams should receive the country’s highest civilian honour “Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honour. This is truly the best of America! Well done!” Eric Trump wrote.The dramatic rescue also received thousands of reactions on social media. Many users said Williams stayed calm despite the dangerous conditions and never let go of the child even as powerful waves continued crashing over them.Several people who said they witnessed the incident said beachgoers had intially tried to help by forming a human chain into the water. However, the heavy surf eventually broke the chain apart, making it impossible for them to reach the child.Another person who said she knew Williams highlighted how difficult such a rescue was, especially in rough ocean conditions. “I’m not sure how many people know how hard it is to hold onto someone like that in the ocean, during these heavy conditions and pounding shore break. This lifeguard handled it like a pro, pulled him in most of the way solo and never gave up. That is a feat in itself, especially in those conditions. A true Hero & waterman. I seriously hope he gets recognised for this,” the social media user wrote.Other witnesses said the beach did not initially appear dangerous. According to their accounts, many people were standing close to the shoreline when a large wave suddenly crashed onto the beach. “It was so big it nearly reached us by our things all the way up the beach!” one witness wrote on social media.Seabright Beach is known for its strong shore break. According to reports, waves there are shaped by swells arriving from different directions, creating conditions that can be hazardous even for experienced swimmers.
