RismadarVoice Reporters, August 18, 2026
US President Donald Trump has welcomed 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams to the White House after the teenager rescued a 10-year-old boy from dangerous waves off the California coast.
Footage released by the White House showed Trump meeting Williams and recounting the teenager’s actions during the dramatic beach rescue.
Trump praised the young lifeguard for his courage and composure, telling him that his actions demonstrated remarkable experience and grace under pressure.
The White House meeting followed Trump’s earlier announcement that he intended to invite Williams and his family to Washington after video of the rescue attracted widespread attention.
In July, Trump said he planned to honour the teenager with a high civilian award and invite the boy Williams rescued to the White House.
The rescue took place at Seabright State Beach near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California.
The 10-year-old boy had been pulled further into the ocean by powerful waves amid hazardous surf conditions.
Video from the incident showed Williams repeatedly entering the breaking waves as he attempted to reach and keep hold of the struggling child.
Another lifeguard and several beachgoers eventually joined the rescue effort, helping bring the boy safely back to shore.
Williams’ mother had previously played down the attention surrounding her son’s actions, saying he was simply doing the job he loved.
Trump, however, described the teenager’s response as an act of exceptional bravery and said he deserved national recognition for his actions.
