Santa Cruz, California — The father of a 10-year-old boy rescued from powerful ocean waves at a Santa Cruz beach is calling his son’s survival “a miracle,” while praising the teenage lifeguard whose quick actions he believes prevented a tragedy. As new details emerge about the dramatic rescue, the 16-year-old hero is receiving national recognition for his courage.
Father Says Rescue Happened Just in Time
Speaking after the incident, Sumit Rai said he remains overwhelmed with gratitude for 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams, who entered the rough surf at Seabright Beach on Saturday to rescue his struggling son.
“Gratefully, he’s alive. It’s a miracle,” Rai said, adding that he is deeply thankful to Ryder for saving the boy’s life.
According to Rai, the rescue was even more dangerous than it appeared in videos shared online.
He said about 10 people initially rushed into the water to help, but several were forced to turn back because the waves were so powerful they risked becoming victims themselves.
Rai believes his son came dangerously close to being swept farther into the ocean.
“Two more seconds he gets thrown another 15-20 feet,” he said, explaining that the crashing waves made it difficult even to see the child.
Powerful Waves Created a Terrifying Scene
Rai said the person recording the dramatic rescue could only spot his son because the white foam of a breaking wave briefly revealed the boy’s brown hair before he disappeared beneath the surf again.
The rescue video showed Ryder swimming through the pounding waves before reaching the child and bringing him safely back to shore.
The incident has drawn widespread praise for the teenager’s calm response under extremely dangerous conditions.
Father Raises Questions About Children’s Mother
During the interview, Rai also spoke about the circumstances surrounding the incident and said he was surprised to learn about it hours later.
When asked where the children’s mother was during the rescue, Rai said he did not know and claimed she never informed him about what had happened.
Instead, he said he only discovered the near-tragedy after speaking with his children later that day.
Rai explained that he and the children’s mother both live in Dallas but are no longer together. He also alleged that the children have experienced difficulties in the past and said trauma counselors have been involved. Those claims have not been independently verified, and no public response from the children’s mother has been reported.
He added that he would be honored if his son joined Ryder during a planned White House recognition ceremony.
Teen Lifeguard Downplays Heroic Actions
Despite being praised across the country, Ryder reportedly described the dramatic rescue as simply “all in a day’s work.”
His father, retired firefighter Shane Williams, recalled Ryder telling him after returning home that he refused to let go of the struggling boy because he knew the child would drown if he did.
Shane said those words brought tears to his eyes.
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Ryder’s grandfather, George Williams, echoed that sentiment, saying the teenager has remained humble despite the attention.
According to George, Ryder completed five rescues during the same lifeguard shift, including two incidents he considered even more challenging than the widely publicized rescue.
Family members say Ryder has always been committed to helping others and hopes to eventually pursue a career in the fire service, following in his father’s footsteps.
White House Honor Announced
On Tuesday, the President announced that Ryder Williams will receive a high civilian honor for his bravery.
In a social media post, the president said Ryder and his family would be invited to the White House, possibly alongside the boy whose life he saved, to recognize his heroic actions.
Although the rescue has brought national attention, Ryder has already returned to his lifeguard duties in Santa Cruz, with his family saying he is focused on getting back to everyday life while continuing to serve his community.
What do you think about Ryder Williams’ heroic actions? Should young first responders receive greater national recognition for life-saving rescues? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
