Donald Trump, President of the United States (US), hailed a 16-year old lifeguard who went viral after rescuing a young boy from soaring ocean waves in Santa Cruz, California.
The American Leader said, he wants to invite the teenage lifeguard to the White House and award him a ‘High Civilian Honour’.
The lifeguard, identified as Ryder on social media, was seen in a jaw-dropping video on Saturday battling huge surf as he severally vanished beneath waves while maintaining a firm hold on the child he was rescuing.
After seeing the video of the rescue, President Trump said, the lifeguard deserves to be recognised nationally.
Trump’s third child, Eric Trump, posted the video of the rescue and wrote: “Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!”
President Trump quoted Eric’s post and commented: “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!”
One person that claimed to have witnessed the rescue said it lasted way longer than the viral video revealed. Beachgoers reportedly formed a human chain in a move to help before it was eventually broken apart by the charging surf, according to social media users.
Reportedly, Ryder ran past his lifeguard tower to fetch more assistance after rescuing the boy onto the beach before paramedics arrived to examine the boy, the witness said. Ryder later returned to duty despite the dramatic rescue and continued watching over beachgoers for the remainder of the evening.
California State Parks requires state lifeguards to be at least sixteen (16) years old.
The Convo:
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
