Santa Cruz, California — A teenage lifeguard whose dramatic ocean rescue captured national attention is speaking publicly for the first time after saving a 10-year-old boy from dangerous surf at a California beach. While social media has praised him as a hero, 16-year-old Ryder Williams says he was simply doing the job he loves.
Teen Lifeguard Recalls the Critical Moments
Williams, a lifeguard at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, shared his account in a video released by California State Parks on Aug. 1, reflecting on the rescue that occurred on July 25.
According to Williams, he was stationed near Tower 2 when he noticed a young boy lose his footing in shallow water. He immediately radioed the emergency, dropped his radio and sunglasses, grabbed his rescue equipment, and rushed into the surf.
“I radioed it in, threw my radio and sunglasses at the base of my tower as I ran toward the kid,” Williams explained.
Powerful Waves Made the Rescue Extremely Difficult
When Williams reached the child, identified as 10-year-old Nathaniel, he quickly realized the rescue would be far more challenging than expected.
He said the boy became limp in the water, raising concerns that he might be unconscious.
At the same time, large waves repeatedly crashed into both of them, making it nearly impossible to swim back toward shore.
A viral video of the rescue shows Williams tightly holding the child while absorbing the force of several large waves before resurfacing and continuing the rescue.
Williams later explained that he knew he could not bring Nathaniel back alone.
“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.'”
Fellow Lifeguard Helped Complete the Rescue
Moments later, fellow lifeguard Aaron Bohnen entered the water to assist.
Williams said his arms had become exhausted after holding onto the child against the relentless surf.
Together, the two lifeguards successfully brought Nathaniel safely back to shore, where they immediately began treating him with a medical kit.
According to California State Parks, the boy did not suffer any serious injuries. After being evaluated by paramedics, he was released to his family.
Remarkably, Williams said he returned to duty later that same day and continued responding to other rescues at the busy beach.
‘This Is My Job and I Love What I Do’
The rescue video quickly spread across social media, earning widespread praise for the teenage lifeguard. Despite the attention, Williams remained humble about his actions.
“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to return the child to his family safely. This is my job and I love what I do.”
He also used the opportunity to recognize fellow lifeguards who perform similar rescues every day, noting that lifesaving work often happens without public recognition.
The statement was shared as part of International Lifeguard Appreciation Day, highlighting the dedication of beach safety personnel across California.
Grateful Father Praises Teen’s Courage
Nathaniel’s father, Sumit Rai, said he remains deeply thankful for Williams’ actions.
He noted that the teenager entered dangerous water despite facing powerful waves, rip currents, and hazardous surf conditions, putting his own safety at risk to save someone else’s child.
Rai said he has since contacted Williams and hopes to personally thank him.
He added that he could never fully repay the young lifeguard for bringing his son home safely and said his family will always be grateful for the rescue.
What do you think about Ryder Williams’ incredible rescue? Do you believe lifeguards deserve more recognition for the life-saving work they perform every day? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
