Trump tells 10-year-old rescued by teen lifeguard: ‘I don’t know if I’d do it’
President hosts Nathanial Rai and lifeguard Ryder Williams at White House after video of California rescue went viral Nathanial Rai had been swept off his feet along the California coast, was rescued by a 16-year-old lifeguard – and was now sitting in the Oval Office with Donald Trump. Of the rescuer, Ryder Williams , Trump said to Rai: “He’s a real hero. I don’t know if I’d do it. Continue…
Nathanial Rai, a 10-year-old boy, had been pulled off his feet by waves on the California coast when he was rescued by a 16-year-old lifeguard named Ryder Williams. The event, which was captured on video and went viral, brought the two together at the White House. Trump expressed his admiration for Ryder, stating, "He's a real hero.
I don't know if I'd do it." He also joked, "I wouldn't, probably. You're lucky I wasn't on the service that day." Nathanial, wearing a dark suit and maroon tie, sat on a gold couch beside his father and Trump, while Ryder was across from them. The lifeguard was invited to the White House to receive a civilian honor, a suggestion made by Trump.
The dramatic rescue video showed the two clinging together as waves repeatedly slammed against them. A second lifeguard, Aaron Bohnen, eventually helped them both back to shore at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz. Nathanial's father, Sumit, expressed deep gratitude for Ryder's actions, saying he could never repay him. The incident also sparked a conversation about the potential status of lifeguards as first responders, with some arguing that they should receive more professional recognition, support, and benefits.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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