Trump backs Ryder Williams’ dream of becoming a firefighter after heroic beach rescue
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump offered 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams a recommendation for firefighting and paramedic school after meeting the teenager in the Oval Office on Monday, August 17.
Williams, who gained national attention after rescuing a 10-year-old boy from rough surf at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, told reporters that he hopes to become a firefighter.
INCREDIBLE: President Trump tells 16-year-old HERO lifeguard Ryder Williams he will PERSONALLY recommend him for his dream of becoming a firefighter -- after Williams risked his life in 10-foot waves to save a drowning child. Trump called him "a real hero" and told the boy he… pic.twitter.com/7EHlJmkVhc
— Sean Hannity 🇺🇸 (@seanhannity) August 17, 2026
Trump backs Ryder Williams’ firefighting dream
“I want to be a firefighter in the future [and] hopefully go through paramedic school,” Williams said. Trump quickly responded with an offer to support the teenager's career plans.
“He's off to a good start. We'll give him a recommendation!” Trump said.
Ryder Williams’ heroic California beach rescue
Williams became the focus of national attention after video of his July 25 rescue circulated widely online.
The 16-year-old was working as a lifeguard at Seabright State Beach when he saw a 10-year-old boy stumble into the ocean.
Williams immediately radioed for help before running toward the water. He reached the boy, locked his arms around him and went under the waves while trying to bring him back toward shore.
We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor. Very brave, he deserves it! President DONALD J. TRUMP https://t.co/dGL15o1tIv
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2026
The waves were reported to have reached about 10 feet. Williams eventually got the child safely to shore, where another lifeguard stepped in to help.
A Santa Cruz resident recorded the rescue, and the footage later spread online. The video eventually caught Trump's attention, leading the president to invite Williams and his family to visit the White House.
Trump promises Ryder Williams a civilian honor
Trump had already praised Williams publicly before Monday's Oval Office meeting.
In a social media post on July 28, Trump said he wanted to bring the teenager and his family to the White House, potentially alongside the boy he rescued.
“We're going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor. Very brave, he deserves it!” Trump wrote.
Williams later gave his first public statement about the rescue through the California Department of Parks and Recreation on July 29.
“I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to return the child to his family safely,” Williams said. “This is my job and I love what I do.”
He also thanked fellow lifeguards who carry out similar rescues.
Santa Cruz Lifeguard Ryder Williams is a 16-year-old hero for saving a younger kid. His parents attribute his incredible water skills to years of playing intense water polo, where he played the position of hole set, which means constantly fighting off opponents. 🤽♂️ pic.twitter.com/ql4WfZUgAh
— Scott 𝕏 (@bullriders1) July 30, 2026
Ryder Williams remains focused on lifeguard work
Williams' family has also tried to keep the attention on the wider lifeguard community.
His family declined requests to set up a GoFundMe following the rescue.
His mother instead said on social media that people who wanted to donate could direct their money to the Santa Cruz County Parks Department's junior guard program, which Williams and his friends had participated in.
