President Trump is honoring a 16-year-old Santa Cruz lifeguard who became a national hero after rescuing a young swimmer. Ryder Williams jumped into rough waters off Santa Cruz last month to save a 10-year-old boy who was struggling in the ocean. The dramatic rescue was captured on video and viewed by millions of people online, bringing widespread attention to Williams’ actions. During a ceremony in the Oval Office Monday, Trump praised the teenager and said he had watched the rescue video several times. The president called Williams’ actions “amazing” and thanked him for risking his own safety to help another person. The boy Williams rescued, Nathaniel Rai, also attended the ceremony with his family. Williams’ family was there as well, joining the president and the young swimmer for the recognition. The event highlighted the teenager’s bravery and the importance of trained lifeguards who respond quickly when swimmers face dangerous conditions in the ocean.
