politics
Trump welcomes teen lifeguard Ryder Williams and boy he rescued to Oval Office
August 17, 2026 / 2:30 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Ryder Williams, a 16-year-old lifeguard, and Nathaniel Rai, a 10-year-old boy he rescued, visited the Oval Office.
- Williams performed a dramatic rescue of Rai from a rip current in Santa Cruz, California.
- President Trump praised Williams for his bravery and congratulated Nathaniel on his survival.
- Nathaniel's father thanked Williams, stating his son was 'a second or two away from dying'.
- Williams cited lifeguards relying on their training during dangerous situations.
- Williams aspires to become a firefighter.