Apparently, this wasn’t even Ryder Williams’ craziest rescue of the day. Photo: Santa Cruz Now//Instagram
A Santa Cruz teenager who is gaining internet fame for a heroic ocean rescue received a public invitation to visit the White House.
The lifeguard, 16-year-old Ryder Williams, rescued a 10-year-old boy at Seabright State Beach on Saturday, July 25. A video of the rescue captured by Scott Vander Dussen of Santa Cruz Now garnered millions of views across social media.
The video even made it to the president’s desk. Donald Trump posted the video saying he’d bring Williams to the White House, possibly with the boy he rescued, too.
“We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor,” Trump wrote. “Very brave, he deserves it!”
We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor. Very brave, he deserves it! President DONALD J. TRUMP https://t.co/dGL15o1tIv
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2026
Ryder’s father, Shane Williams, spoke with Newsweek, saying he is “really proud” of his son.
“He just wants to be a kid and work hard this summer and serve and protect his community,” Shane Williams told Newsweek. “He’s doing great. We’re so overwhelmed. I’m trying to shelter him. I still see him as a little boy.”
According to George Williams, Ryder’s grandfather, the rescue caught on video wasn’t even the most harrowing of the day. He had two more rescues that were “more gnarly.”
Shane Williams said the White House had not yet formally contacted the family, and he isn’t sure if they will accept the invitation.
