Trump tells 10-year-old rescued by teen lifeguard: ‘I don’t know if I’d do it’

A 10-year-old boy, Nathanial Rai, who was rescued from the California coast by a 16-year-old lifeguard, met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Trump, speaking to Rai, remarked on the bravery of the lifeguard, Ryder Williams, saying, "He's a real hero. I don't know if I'd do it. I wouldn't, probably."

Trump invited both Rai and Williams to the White House to honor the lifeguard's bravery. Dramatic video of the rescue, which occurred in late July off Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, went viral. The footage showed Williams clinging to Rai amidst powerful waves, with both disappearing and reappearing as the water receded. A second lifeguard, Aaron Bohnen, assisted in bringing them safely to shore.

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He’s a real hero. I don’t know if I’d do it. I wouldn’t, probably. You’re lucky I wasn’t on the service that day.

Sumit Rai, the boy's father, expressed profound gratitude to Williams, stating, "What he did, I can never repay. I'm forever grateful." The rescue has also drawn attention to legislative efforts in California to officially designate lifeguards as first responders. Proponents argue this status would provide greater professional recognition, support, resources, and potentially better worker protections and benefits.

However, the designation is not without its complexities. State Senator Laird noted that while lifeguards are undoubtedly first responders, the process involves defining appropriate training standards, similar to the rigorous eight-month Peace Officer Standards Training, and determining who would fund such a program. The debate continues on how to best formalize the crucial role lifeguards play in public safety.

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What he did, I can never repay. I’m forever grateful.