16-Year-Old Lifeguard Saves Child from 3-Meter Waves; Trump to Award Medal of Freedom
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A 16-year-old lifeguard, Ryder Williams, rescued a 10-year-old child from strong rip currents off a California beach.
- Williams, in his first year as a lifeguard, braved 3-meter waves and a strong undertow to save the child.
- His heroic actions earned praise from Donald Trump, who plans to invite him to the White House and award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
A 16-year-old rookie lifeguard is being hailed as a hero after bravely rescuing a 10-year-old child from treacherous conditions at a California beach. Ryder Williams plunged into the powerful surf at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, where a 3-meter wave and strong rip currents threatened the child's life.
My son was just doing what he loved.
Despite the dangerous undertow and constant waves, Williams held onto the child for approximately two minutes, battling the fierce water before a fellow lifeguard assisted in bringing them safely to shore. This remarkable rescue occurred on Williams's first year on the job, and he reportedly went on to save four other individuals that day.
This is just my job.
The dramatic rescue, captured on video and shared globally, has drawn widespread admiration. Williams's mother expressed pride, stating her son was simply doing what he loved and requested donations to the state park program that trained him. However, the young lifeguard himself conveyed a desire for normalcy, emphasizing, "This is just my job."
This young hero, his family, and the child he saved will all be invited to the White House.
News of the heroic deed reached former President Donald Trump, who took to social media to commend Williams. Trump announced his intention to invite the young hero, his family, and the rescued child to the White House. He also revealed plans to award Williams the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him a "truly brave young man."
He is a truly brave young man and more than deserving of the medal.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.