President Donald Trump praised a teenage California lifeguard as a hero during a Monday meeting at the White House, after the 16-year-old rescued a 10-year-old boy in a viral ocean rescue.Trump met with Ryder Williams, 16, and his family, as well as Nathaniel Rai—who was swept into the ocean by a wave—and his family. The rescue drew national attention when it was captured on video."It's an honor to be with Ryder Williams," Trump said in the Oval Office."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."BEACH HERO JUMPS INTO THE WATER AFTER SPOTTING 3 GIRLS IN DANGER OF DROWNINGPresident Donald Trump speaks as he meets with lifeguard Ryder Williams in the Oval Office of the White House on Monday.Williams was captured rescuing a 10-year-old boy caught up in powerful waves on a California beach on July 25.
(Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)Trump praised Williams, saying, "What you did was incredible and everybody saw it." He said the teen was an inspiration for young Americans.Williams, a California State Parks lifeguard, was on duty when Rai was pulled into the water just before the July 25 rescue.Williams rushed to get ahold of the boy, who was being pounded by rough waves until another lifeguard came and helped pull them both to shore.The rescue went viral, catching the eye of Eric Trump, before President Trump issued a White House invitation to Williams."In those dangerous moments that we have, we always try to fall back on our training," Williams, who aspires to become a firefighter, told reporters.
"We are trained so well by many to handle that situation as best we can."MAN, WOMAN KILLED IN RIP CURRENT AS LIFEGUARD SHORTAGE LEAVES DANGER ZONES IN BEACH DESTINATIONNathaniel Rai listens as President Donald Trump meets with lifeguard Ryder Williams in the Oval Office of the White House on Monday, Aug.17, 2026, in Washington.
(Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)"I hope that eve...