16-Year-Old Lifeguard's Brave Ocean Rescue: "I Wasn't Going To Let Go Of That Kid"

A 16-year-old rookie lifeguard, praised nationally after a dramatic rescue off a California beach, has spoken for the first time about rushing into towering surf to save a 10-year-old boy.

Ryder Williams, in his first season with California State Parks lifeguards, recounted how he saw 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai lose his footing in ankle-deep water and then be swept into deeper, violent surf at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz on Saturday.

A 16-year-old rookie lifeguard hailed by President Trump after a dramatic California beach rescue says he made one decision as towering waves crashed around him: "I wasn't going to let go of that kid." Courtesy of Shane Williams

"I radioed it in, threw my radio and sunglasses at the base of my tower as I ran toward the kid," Williams said. "I put my fins on my wrist, popped my buoy and entered the water to get ahold of the child."

Assigned to Tower 2 that day, Williams had been making safety contacts throughout a shift marked by heavy crowds and volatile surf. He said that, because of the rough conditions, he could not attach the victim to his rescue tube initially and that Nathaniel went limp as waves repeatedly broke over them.

"He was going to drown, and I wasn't going to let that happen," Ryder Williams later told his father, retired firefighter Shane Williams, after rescuing 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai from violent surf at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz on Saturday. Instagram/@Santacruznow

Fellow lifeguard Aaron Bohnen reached the pair after several more pounding waves. While fighting the surf, Williams shouted at bystanders who had waded in to return to shore to avoid further danger.

After they were pulled to safety, Williams and colleagues retrieved medical equipment and assessed Nathaniel on the beach. The boy was treated on scene and recovered; Williams then climbed back into his tower and completed the remainder of his shift.

Officials said Williams was assigned to Tower 2 and had spent the day making safety contacts because of heavy crowds and dangerous surf. Instagram/@Santacruznow

"I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to return the child to his family safely," Williams said. "This is my job and I love what I do."

Ryder's father, retired firefighter Shane Williams, later told reporters that his son had remained calm and resolute during the rescue. The incident drew national attention, and the president announced plans to invite Williams to the White House to receive a civilian honor.

Key details: The rescue took place at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz. Ryder Williams used fins and a rescue buoy, coordinated by radio, and was assisted by Aaron Bohnen. The child was assessed with medical equipment on the sand and recovered.