A 10-year-old boy’s father is calling his son’s rescue from violent California waves nothing short of a miracle, and he’s publicly thanking the teenage lifeguard who risked everything to pull the child to safety.
Sumit Rai spoke exclusively to The California Post, saying he is “so grateful” to 16-year-old Ryder Williams, who dove into dangerous surf at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz on Saturday to save the struggling boy, Nathaniel.
The dramatic rescue was captured on video, showing Ryder plunging into powerful waves that had already forced several other would-be rescuers to retreat. Rai said about 10 people initially rushed in to help, but many had to turn back because the conditions were so treacherous.
“Two more seconds he gets thrown another 15-20 feet,” Rai explained. “You can’t see him, let alone rescue him.”
The father revealed he wasn’t at the beach during the incident. When asked about the boy’s mother, Rai said he was wondering the same thing. He reportedly learned about the near-tragedy only after speaking with his children later that day.
Rai, who lives in Dallas, said he and the children’s mother are no longer together. He also claimed she has allegedly mistreated the children in the past, adding that trauma counselors are involved.
Ryder’s own father, retired firefighter Shane Williams, said his son told him after the rescue, “I wasn’t going to let go of that kid because I knew if I let go of him he was going to drown, and I wasn’t going to let that happen.”
The 16-year-old lifeguard reportedly downplayed the attention, telling family it was all in a day’s work. His grandfather revealed Ryder performed five rescues that day, including two even more intense than saving the 10-year-old.
Remarkably, the teen was back on duty Tuesday and is eager to return to normal life. He’s considering a future in firefighting, following in his father’s footsteps.
President Donald Trump has taken notice, announcing that Ryder will receive a high civilian honor at the White House, possibly with the boy he saved.
Rai said he would be honored if his son were invited to the White House for the ceremony.
What does the future hold for this young hero who has already captured the nation’s heart?
