Meet the hero! 16-year-old Ryder Williams saved a 10-year-old child’s life in his first season as an official lifeguard. President Trump announced he will bring the brave young Santa Cruz man to the White House.
“This high school student and seasonal Santa Cruz State Parks lifeguard pulled off one of the most incredible rescues of the summer at Seabright Beach on July 25.
A 10-year-old boy was being hammered by massive waves. Ryder dove in, locked on with an unbreakable grip, and fought through wave after wave for nearly two minutes – never letting go – while telling bystanders who tried to help to save themselves. A second lifeguard joined him to get the boy safely to shore. The child was checked by paramedics and reunited with his family, stable.
His mom confirmed his first name on social media and said he’s just doing the job he loves. Instead of a GoFundMe, she pointed people toward supporting the Santa Cruz County Parks Junior Guards program that trained him.
Absolute legend at 16. Real first-responder energy.”
It sounds like him mom is pretty special too.
Meet the hero! 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder (reportedly Ryder Williams)
This high school student and seasonal Santa Cruz State Parks lifeguard pulled off one of the most incredible rescues of the summer at Seabright Beach on July 25.
A 10-year-old boy was being hammered by… pic.twitter.com/aptY6u0nSb
— Sarah Fields (@SarahisCensored) July 28, 2026
