Ryder Williams, who is in his first year as a lifeguard for California State Parks, raced into the ocean after spotting the child get swept away in the fierce current.
The teen lifeguard who was recognized for his bravery by President Donald Trump for saving a young boy from huge waves at Seabright Beach off the California coast detailed the harrowing experience.
Ryder Williams, who is in his first year as a lifeguard for California State Parks, raced into the ocean after spotting the child who was swept away in the fierce current.
"I radioed it in, threw my radio and sunglasses at the base of my tower as I ran toward the kid. I put my fins on my wrist, popped my buoy, and entered the water to get ahold of the child,” Williams said in his statement, per the New York Post.
https://twitter.com/tpostmillennial/status/2083617875957571642
“Due to the volatility of the water, I was unable to tube up the victim,” Williams continued.
The dramatic rescue quickly gained national attention after video and details of Williams' actions spread online, with many praising the teenager for risking his own life to save the child. The incident prompted calls for the young lifeguard to receive formal recognition for his courage from Trump.
“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. Very brave, he deserves it! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote in rare post to X.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/2082159711852298494?s=20
Trump's statement came shortly after his son, Eric Trump, said the young man deserved an award.
“Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor,” he wrote. “This is truly the best of America. Well done!
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