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Trump Invites 16-Year-Old Lifeguard to White House after Rescue

7/30/2026

34 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ryder Williams Invited

President Donald Trump will invite 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams to the White House after his rescue.
The rescue occurred on July 25 when a wave pulled a 10-year-old boy 15 yards offshore.
Williams sprinted into the surf, grabbed the child and held him while waves knocked them back.
A second lifeguard helped, bringing the boy ashore for paramedic examination.
Scott Vander Dussen filmed the rescue, producing a clip that quickly went viral.

Summary

Lifeguards Rescue 34

State Parks reported Santa Cruz lifeguards completed 34 rescues and over 5,000 preventative contacts that weekend.
All lifeguard towers were staffed with six units, a rescue craft, three crews and a supervisor.
A beach hazard advisory warned of 4-6-foot swells that reached up to 10 feet, prompting extra safety contacts.
Advocates are urging Congress to classify state-park lifeguards as first responders to grant them job-related benefits.

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Ryder Williams Invited

President Donald Trump will invite 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams to the White House after his rescue.
The rescue occurred on July 25 when a wave pulled a 10-year-old boy 15 yards offshore.
Williams sprinted into the surf, grabbed the child and held him while waves knocked them back.
A second lifeguard helped, bringing the boy ashore for paramedic examination.
Scott Vander Dussen filmed the rescue, producing a clip that quickly went viral.

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