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Teen Lifeguard Ryder Williams Rescues 10-Year-Old Boy Nathaniel Rai from Powerful Waves in California

A 16-year-old lifeguard, Ryder Williams, saved a 10-year-old boy, Nathaniel Rai, from being swept away by massive waves at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California. The rescue occurred during a week of 8- to 10-foot-high surf and rip currents. Williams sprinted into the water and grabbed Nathaniel Rai, who lost consciousness and went limp as they were slammed by the waves. Nathaniel Rai's father, Sumit Rai, stated that his son was only seconds away from drowning if Williams had not held on tight. The video of the rescue went viral globally, catching the attention of President Trump, who described Williams as heroic. The administration announced that Williams and his family will be invited to the White House to receive a high civilian honor. The viral rescue has also renewed calls to recognize lifeguards as official first responders in California. State Sen. Catherine Blakespear is co-authoring a resolution to grant lifeguards the rights and benefits associated with first responders, similar to those in Hawaii and New Jersey.

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