WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump hosted 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams and Nathaniel Rai, the 10-year-old boy he rescued from dangerous surf in California, at the White House on Monday.

Williams pulled Rai from the water at Seabright Beach near Santa Cruz on July 25 after the boy was swept into the ocean by powerful waves. The dramatic rescue was captured on video and later went viral.

Trump had invited Williams to the Oval Office and said the teenager would receive what he described as a high civilian honor for his actions.

Lifeguard Reveals the Extreme Dangers of the Current During Ryder Williams Rescue – 08/17/26 pic.twitter.com/SrhK4sbttw

— RSBN 🇺🇸 (@RSBNetwork) August 17, 2026

Ryder Williams Delivers an Uplifting Message to His Generation – 08/17/26 pic.twitter.com/7545fgwZD3

— RSBN 🇺🇸 (@RSBNetwork) August 17, 2026