VIDEO: Trump promises White House honour for teen who braved deadly waves to save boy

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he will host a 16-year-old lifeguard at the White House to award him a top civilian honor for his bravery in rescuing a boy from rough surf off the California coast. The teenager, identified only by his first name Ryder, will be honored alongside his family and the child he saved.

Trump made the pledge via a post on X.com, describing the lifeguard's actions as heroic and deserving of recognition. "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!" Trump wrote.

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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!

The president's announcement followed a similar call from his son, Eric Trump, who had shared a video of the rescue on X and urged that the teenager receive the country's highest civilian honor. "Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!" Eric Trump posted.

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Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!

The dramatic rescue took place on Saturday at Seabright State Beach near Santa Cruz. Powerful waves battered the coastline, sweeping a boy further into the ocean. Footage shared online showed the teenage lifeguard repeatedly diving into crashing whitewater, holding onto the struggling boy as the surf pounded them both. Another lifeguard and several beachgoers assisted in bringing the boy safely ashore.

According to Fox News, the teenager's mother expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, stating that her son was "just doing the job that he absolutely loves."

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he was just doing the job that he absolutely loves.