‘What you did was incredible’: Trump honours teen lifeguard who rescued Indian-American boy

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump honoured a 16-year-old California lifeguard at the White House after he rescued an Indian-American boy from dangerous ocean surf in a viral incident at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz.

Trump met teenage lifeguard Ryder Williams (16) and Nathaniel Rai (10) along with their families in the Oval Office on Monday (local time). Trump praised Williams for rescuing Rai, who was swept into the ocean by a wave, saying, “It’s an honour to be with Ryder Williams”.

“I understand he was a winner right from the time they first saw him as a lifeguard. He saved this young gentleman who I had a long talk with,” Trump said. “What you did was incredible, and everybody saw it,” Trump told Williams, adding that the teenager was an inspiration for young Americans.

President Trump hosts the 16-year-old lifeguard, Ryder Williams, who saved a 10-year-old boy from rough waves, and shares what he hopes people take away from Ryder’s act of heroism.

“You brought tremendous grace and experience… it’s so amazing to see this happen.” pic.twitter.com/MVVMeoueip

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 17, 2026

According to the New York Post, Williams rescued Rai from the treacherous surf at Seabright State Beach on July 25 as powerful waves repeatedly crashed over them. Williams was on duty when Rai was pulled into the water and rushed to him before another lifeguard helped bring both of them back to shore.

The rescue was captured on video and went viral, drawing the attention of Eric Trump before President Trump invited Williams to the White House, according to Fox News.

WOW. Child Dramatically Rescued in Santa Cruz yesterday

A 16yr old Lifeguard went VIRAL for the rescue, exhibiting STUNNING lifesaving skills

As onlookers attempted to help, they too were almost swept away, the young lifeguard telling them to save themselves pic.twitter.com/atvNEa4exW

— FoxyFarmer (@GardensR4Health) July 27, 2026

Williams, who aspires to become a firefighter, said the rescue was a result of his training. “In those dangerous moments that we have, we always try to fall back on our training,” Williams told reporters. “We are trained so well by many to handle that situation as best we can.”

“I hope that everybody can take away from this and try to help more people. Try to look out for everybody around you and just try to help everybody out as much as you can,” he added.

Rai’s father, Sumit Rai, who was also present in the Oval Office, thanked Williams for saving his son, saying he was “beyond grateful’ for the rescue.

Trump also highlighted the importance of lifeguards following the rescue. “Maybe lifeguards don’t get the credit they deserve,” he said. (ANI)