That dramatic ocean rescue out in Santa Cruz just went from a viral clip to major national news.
Rookie lifeguard Ryder Williams, who is only 16 years old, is will possibly be headed to Washington, D.C. after President Donald Trump publicly extended an invitation to the young hero. In a Truth Social post, Trump also invited his family and the young boy to visit the White House after video went viral showing Ryder fighting off massive, crushing waves to save a 10-year-old at Seabright State Beach.
As we previously reported, the wild incident, captured on camera by a beachgoer, showed the teenage lifeguard locking the young swimmer in a relentless hold while 10-foot swells pounded over both of them again and again.
The teenager’s fearless quick thinking didn’t just save a young life, it grabbed the attention of the highest office in the country. After Eric Trump re-posted the rescue footage and called for the guard to receive national props, President Trump took to social media to make the White House invitation official.
“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 wrote, adding, “Very brave, he deserves it!”.
While everybody online is praising Ryder as an absolute legend, his family is staying humble and redirecting the love right back to the community. Ryder’s mother posted a heartfelt message thanking the nation for the massive wave of respect, reminding everyone that her son “was just doing the job that he absolutely loves”.
Instead of setting up a cash fundraiser for themselves, the family asked well-wishers to direct donations to the local Junior Guards program so other young lifeguards can get the training they need. Now that is how a true hero moves.