Trump Honors Teen Lifeguard and Boy He Saved in Oval Office
President Donald Trump welcomed teen lifeguard Ryder Williams and 10‑year‑old Nathaniel Rai to the Oval Office on Monday, celebrating the July 25 rescue that pulled Nathaniel from near‑death waters off Santa Cruz, California.
Sixteen‑year‑old lifeguard Ryder Williams dove into turbulent surf, assisted by fellow lifeguard Aaron Bohnen, and pulled the unconscious boy from the ocean after he went limp and stopped breathing.
Sumit Rai, Nathaniel’s father, said video of the incident showed his son two seconds from dying; the child was unconscious, limp, and not breathing, and would have sunk deeper if the rescue had been delayed.
The family traveled to Washington after the rescue and met President Trump, who praised the heroism and said lifeguards rarely receive the recognition they deserve.
Trump told reporters, “They look up to Ryder, they look up to Nathaniel, the way he handled it,” adding that the experience would help the public gain respect for lifeguards and safety workers.
Nathaniel said his favorite moment in the Oval Office was singing “Happy Birthday” with the president, and his father described the day as “incredible.”
Sumit Rai thanked Williams for risking his own safety, noting that the lifeguard’s actions allowed the family to celebrate Nathaniel’s 11th birthday this week.
Trump emphasized that lifeguard shortages leave dangerous beach zones exposed, calling the rescue a reminder of the vital role lifeguards play in public safety.
Madison Colombo, a writer for Fox News Digital’s Flash, Media, and Culture team, reported on the event.
