Family of hero teen lifeguard finalizing plans for White House visit after Trump praised miraculous beach rescue
California’s teenage lifeguard herocould soon be headed to the White House.
The family of 16-year-old Ryder Williams has been contacted by President Donald Trump’s staff after the commander-in-chief vowed to honor the rookie rescuer who saved a drowning 10-year-old boy from pounding surf.
“The White House has contacted us but there’s been no official date or time,” Ryder’s father, retired firefighter Shane Williams, 54, told The California Post on Saturday.
Trump announced the invitation after video of Ryder’s dramatic rescue at Seabright Beach went viral, saying he plans to welcome the teen and his family to Washington, DC, and personally present him with a high civilian honor for his heroism.
Shane said the whirlwind of attention has been overwhelming, but the family is now focused on returning to everyday life as Ryder prepares for his first day of school on Aug. 6.
“We just want to get back to normal life and let him start high school and start playing water polo,” he said.
The proud father also welcomed the president’s recognition of his son. “I would love to take my son there and I think he deserves that.”
Shane said Ryder is not doing interviews outside those arranged through California State Parks. He added that he couldn’t remember which White House staffer had called because his phone had been “blowing up.”
Shane declined to discuss when the family might travel to Washington and would not say whether Ryder plans to reunite with 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai, saying any updates would come through California State Parks.
Ryder became an overnight hero on July 25 after an 8-to-10-foot sneaker wave dragged Nathaniel, of Dallas, into deep water at Seabright Beach.
The rookie lifeguard battled heavy surf for about two minutes to reach the boy after he blacked out in the water. Fellow lifeguard Aaron Bohnen swam out to help, and together they brought Nathaniel safely to shore, where he was revived.
The boy is expected to make a full recovery.
The rescue unfolded during a chaotic day that saw Santa Cruz district lifeguards perform 34 rescues.
Nathaniel’s father, Sumit Rai, previously told The Post he was “so grateful” to Ryder for saving his son’s life.