President Trump to honor teen lifeguard for rescuing boy

President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he would invite a teenage lifeguard from California to the White House to receive a high civilian honor for saving a young boy’s life. Ryder Williams, 16, performed the rescue over the weekend at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, Calif. Trump said Williams deserved an award for his bravery, and that the young boy he rescued might also get a White House invitation.

Williams, an on-duty California State Parks lifeguard, jumped into action after powerful swells at the beach suddenly knocked the boy down and pulled him roughly 15 yards away from shore, according to the Associated Press. A video of the rescue circulating online showed Williams supporting the boy in violent surf and diving under tall waves that crashed over the two. Several bystanders and another lifeguard assisted Williams in carrying the boy the final few feet to shore.

Williams said he believed any lifeguard would have done the same, according to The Guardian. The boy he rescued was not injured and was returned safely to his parents, according to the Associated Press.