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A 16-year-old lifeguard whose weekend rescue of a child at Santa Cruz Beach drew national attention released a detailed account Wednesday of the life-saving intervention. Ryder Williams, employed by California State Parks, provided a statement describing the moment he spotted the young boy struggling in the water and the efforts required to bring him to safety.
Williams recalled being stationed 15 yards downcoast of Tower 2 when he observed a child lose his footing in shallow, ankle-deep water approximately 20 yards from the tower. He immediately radioed for assistance, discarded his equipment, and entered the water with his fins and rescue buoy to reach the child, whose condition had deteriorated rapidly.
The teenager explained that initial attempts to extract the victim proved unsuccessful due to rough water conditions and the boy’s unresponsive state. Fellow lifeguard Aaron Bohnen joined Williams in the water after several waves, and together they pulled the child to shore with help from bystanders who had also waded in to assist.
Once on shore, Williams retrieved medical equipment and assessed the boy before returning to his tower to resume regular duties. The rescued child, identified as Nathaniel, was the son of Sumit Rai, who praised Williams’ determination and physical strength in an interview, noting his son weighed approximately 100 pounds and remained unconscious throughout the rescue.
The White House announced plans to honor Williams with a civilian award, with President Donald Trump stating the teenager and his family would be invited to receive recognition for his heroism. California State Parks reported 34 rescues occurred across the Santa Cruz district over the weekend, with multiple lifeguard units and rescue crews stationed along Pajaro Coast.
Williams concluded his statement by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to reunite the child with his family and reaffirming his commitment to lifeguard work. “This is my job and I love what I do,” he said, acknowledging fellow lifeguards who perform similar rescues daily.
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