Who is Ryder Williams? Trump honors teen lifeguard behind viral rescue
President Donald Trump has invited a teen lifeguard, whose fearless rescue of a child in rough surf won national praise, to the White House to receive an honor.
Video, filmed by Scott Vander Dussen of Santa Cruz Now, and shared on social media this week, captured the moment 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams rescued a young boy from the ocean at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California.
The child, 10, had been swept about 15 yards offshore when Williams reached him, with several beachgoers also helping with the rescue. The operation lasted just over two minutes.
President Donald Trump has since invited Williams to the White House.
“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 Honor,” Trump said on social media. “Very brave, he deserves it!”
Who is Ryder Williams?
Ryder was identified by his family to the California Post. His father, Shane Williams, said they are “really proud” of an “amazing kid.”
“He just wants to be a kid and work hard this summer and serve and protect his community,” he said.
“He’s doing great. We’re so overwhelmed,” his dad said. “I’m trying to shelter him. I still see him as a little boy.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
