Teen lifeguard reveals near-death battle to save boy from crushing California waves

The 16-year-old California rookie lifeguard whose daring ocean rescue captured national attention is revealing what was racing through his mind as he fought towering waves to save a drowning 10-year-old boy.

Ryder Williams became an overnight hero after pulling Nathaniel Rai from the pounding surf at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz on July 25 — a dramatic rescue that later earned praise from President Trump, who announced the teen will receive a high civilian honor.

Now, Williams is opening up about the terrifying moments when he realized the child’s life was slipping away.The 16-year-old California rookie lifeguard whose daring ocean rescue captured national attention is revealing what was racing through his mind Instagram/santacruznowRyder Williams became an overnight hero after pulling Nathaniel Rai from the pounding surf at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz on July 25 © California State Parks

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“The challenges for this rescue was that it was so close in, fins were ineffective,” he said.

The closer he got, the more desperate the situation became.

“I was unable to pull him out because he was limp and the waves were pushing so hard,” Williams said.

“The whole time I was thinking, I just need to hold my position until my partner can get here because I’m not going to be able to get him out on my own.”

Williams said he focused on keeping both himself and the boy from being dragged farther into the Pacific.Williams said he focused on keeping both himself and the boy from being dragged farther into the Pacific. Instagram/santacruznow

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Another lifeguard soon reached the pair.As beachgoers rushed into the surf to help, Williams ordered them back to shore. Instagram/castateparksNathaniel’s father, Sumit Rai, has credited Williams’ quick actions with saving his son’s life. Instagram/santacruznow

“My partner mostly takes over holding the child because at this point, my arms were very exhausted from holding on,” Williams recalled. “I still support him as much as I can as we drag him out of the water.”

Nathaniel’s father, Sumit Rai, has credited Williams’ quick actions with saving his son’s life.

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“My son told me that he drowned and my son told me that he went unconscious,” Rai said. “He was very subdued, still in a state of shock.”

For Williams, though, the dramatic rescue was simply part of the job.

“That is just a part of our daily task to do. We can keep the public safe. That’s the reason we were on the beach,” he said.

Rather than calling it a day after the high-stakes rescue, Williams climbed back into his tower.

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“Together that day, we had many units on and all the tower staff. All the towers are making constant safety contacts with the units driving through to support us. Without working together, we would not be able to make many of the rescues we do.”

The teen hopes the attention surrounding his rescue encourages more beachgoers to learn about the dangers of the ocean before heading into the water.

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“I’d like people to remember that we make thousands of rescues along the California coast and around the world every day and that this is not an uncommon occurrence. This is our job, this is what we’re here to do, and this is the reason we’re here.”

Despite the spotlight, Williams said the experience has only reinforced why he became a lifeguard.

“The experience has been amazing. It is awesome to get to come out and help people every day. I have learned so much about the beach and being able to help people and what it takes to be a lifeguard.”