Heroic 16-year-old lifeguard rescues child from monster surf in heart-stopping video
- On Saturday, July 25, 2026, 16-year-old Santa Cruz lifeguard Ryder Williams rescued 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai from dangerous surf at Seabright Beach, entering the ocean amid powerful swells to pull the boy to safety.
- Nathaniel was standing in shallow water when sudden 10-foot swells swept him 15 yards into the ocean, according to California State Parks, causing the boy to lose consciousness during the incident.
- Captured on video by Scott Vander Dussen, the two-and-a-half-minute rescue shows Williams battling waves to reach the boy, with fellow lifeguard Aaron Bohnen assisting in the operation.
- Expressing deep gratitude, Sumit Rai said he is "forever grateful" to the lifeguards for saving his son's life, while Congressman Jimmy Panetta called the rescue "remarkable."
- Following the viral rescue, President Donald Trump invited Williams to the White House to receive a civilian honor, though his father, Shane Williams, noted his son was not seeking fame.
197 Articles
197 Articles
The Union Democrat
The spokesman-ReviewViral California teen lifeguard rescue captures nation's awe. 'Perfect person you'd want out there'
The dramatic footage of a teenage lifeguard saving a child from punishing waves along the California coast has captured the attention of the nation, drawing praise from the shores of Santa Cruz all the way to the White House.
After a wave of rescues, Santa Cruz experts share the beach safety lessons everyone should know
Everytime I hear about people dying or getting hurt in the ocean, it reminds me just how vital ocean safety is. People who live in Santa Cruz County are often well aware of the dangers the beach can bring, but that does not mean the dangers are any less severe; I believe it is always good to have a refresher on what safety looks like. As someone who has grown up going to Capitola Beach either with my family or attending the Junior Lifeguard prog…
East Bay Times
The Mercury news‘This is my job’: 16-year-old lifeguard describes how he rescued child from pounding surf in Santa Cruz
“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to return the child to his family safely,” says Ryder Williams. “I’m thankful to my fellow lifeguards who perform rescues just like this every day.”
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
