Trump to honor teen lifeguard Ryder Williams at White House after daring ocean rescue

President Trump has announced plans to bring 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams to the White House to receive a high civilian honor after he rescued a young boy from dangerous waves at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California.

🚨 WOW! President Trump just announced he will be bringing this 16YO lifeguard to the WHITE HOUSE to give him a High Civilian Honor, after @EricTrump called for it

THAT is a HERO 👏🏻

"We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps,… pic.twitter.com/I7H4RLBz1A

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 28, 2026

Trump to Bring Teen Lifeguard Hero to White House

A teenager’s split-second courage is about to earn a trip to the White House. According to Eric Daugherty on X, President Trump announced he will bring 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams and his family to the White House to award him a high civilian honor, after Eric Trump publicly called for the recognition.

Williams battled violent waves at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz on July 25 to rescue a 10-year-old boy swept out by powerful surf, repeatedly diving under crashing whitewater without letting go of the child.

Trump wrote on Truth Social, “We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House… Very brave, he deserves it!”