At White House, Trump, Rai Family Praise Teen Lifeguard For Saving Nathaniel

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump honored 16-year-old California lifeguard Ryder Williams at the White House for rescuing 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai from dangerous surf at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz. Nathaniel and his family joined Williams and his family at the White House, weeks after the dramatic rescue drew widespread attention.

Trump praised Williams for his courage and the training that enabled him to respond when Nathaniel was in danger. The president said he had watched footage of the rescue several times, recalling, “I said, roll that back, I want to see that again, is that really happening?”

Nathaniel’s father, Sumit Rai, expressed his gratitude to Williams, Aaron and the others who helped during the rescue, including bystanders who came to their aid.

كان المصور سكوت يقوم بتصوير شاطى سيبرايت في كاليفورنيا عندما لاحظ رأس شخص يظهر ويختفي وسط الامواج العنيفة فسارع الى ابلاغ احد المنقذين

اتضح انه صبي بعمر 10 سنوات كان يركب الامواج على اللوح، قام المنقذ بالامساك به على الرغم من قوة وشدة الامواج الا انه تشبث به بقوه حاول البعض… pic.twitter.com/mav8us1CJd

— Saif (@diol2n) July 27, 2026

Rai, who lives in Dallas, was away when Nathaniel was visiting California with his mother and 8-year-old sister. He said Nathaniel later told him that he had lost consciousness in the water. Nathaniel has since experienced nightmares related to the incident, while his younger sister also witnessed what happened, he said.

Rai described his son as calm and disciplined. Nathaniel has studied martial arts for much of his life and won U.S. Open Jiu Jitsu World League gold medals in both Gi and No-Gi. He also enjoys chess, video games and Egyptian history.

After the rescue, Rai had tried to reach Williams and his family so that he and Nathaniel could thank the teenager in person. He had also said Williams deserved every possible honor for his bravery.

At the White House, Rai said it was a privilege to sit beside Williams and noted that the teenager’s birthday was the following day.

Williams said he relied on his training when he responded to the emergency. “In those dangerous moments that we have, we always try to fall back on our training,” he said. “We are trained so well by many to handle that situation as best we can.”

Williams, who hopes to become a firefighter and attend paramedic school, also encouraged young people to help others and look out for those around them.