Trump hosts teen lifeguard and rescued boy at White House

President Donald Trump held a meeting at the White House to honor 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams for his bravery in rescuing 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai from dangerous waves off the California coast. The boy, wearing a suit, sat in the Oval Office alongside his father and Trump, while Williams sat across from them as Trump discussed the ordeal.

Trump told Rai that Williams was a real hero, adding that he himself probably would not have attempted the rescue, and that the boy was lucky Trump wasn't on lifeguard duty that day.

Viral rescue footage

Dramatic video of the rescue, which went viral in late July, showed Williams clinging to Rai as powerful waves repeatedly crashed over them, briefly submerging the pair before they resurfaced. A second lifeguard, Aaron Bohnen, eventually helped bring both of them safely to shore at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz.

Trump first commented on the incident after his son Eric Trump posted online that Williams deserved the nation's highest civilian honor. Rai's father, Sumit, told the Associated Press he could never repay what Williams did for his son.

Debate over lifeguard status

The rescue coincided with California lawmakers reviewing legislation that would formally classify lifeguards as first responders. A state senator representing Santa Cruz said the designation is not straightforward, noting that first responder status typically requires extensive training, and that questions remain over what training and funding such a change would require.