President Trump Invites Heroic 16-Year-Old Lifeguard Ryder to the White House for High Civilian Honor
The administration announced that a 16-year-old lifeguard named Ryder will be invited to the White House to receive a High Civilian Honor. The teen was recognized for his heroic rescue of a young boy from massive waves at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California. Captured on video by witness Scott Vander Dussen, the rescue showed Ryder battling powerful surf to bring the child to safety. While several bystanders attempted to assist, many were overwhelmed by the waves. Lifeguards and officials noted that the rescue was one of 34 performed over the weekend. President Trump praised the young man's bravery on social media, noting that he deserves the honor. Eric Trump also shared the video, calling the lifeguard the best of America. Ryder's mother encouraged supporters to donate to the Santa Cruz County Parks Department's Junior Guards program, where the teen trained. Scott Vander Dussen also advocated for House Resolution 1188, which would reclassify lifeguards as first responders.
Sources
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Teen lifeguard braves massive waves to rescue young boy at Seabright Beach
KSBW
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Santa Cruz teen lifeguard who saved boy from massive waves to receive invited to White House, President Donald Trump says
ABC7 Bay Area
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Heroic 16-year-old lifeguard rescues child from monster surf in heart-stopping video
Yahoo
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Santa Cruz lifeguard saves boy from waves
KTVU