Ryder Williams, a 16-year-old rookie lifeguard in California, saved a young boy from drowning amid massive waves at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz on Saturday afternoon, his father Shane Williams recounted on Tuesday. The teen’s determination and lifelong preparation led to the pulse-pounding rescue, which was captured on video by photographer Scott Vander Dussen and posted to Instagram.
Dramatic Rescue Unfolds
The incident occurred when a 10-year-old boy lost his balance, was knocked down by a wave, and swept about 15 yards offshore into the Pacific Ocean. Ryder, an on-duty California state parks lifeguard, saw the boy in distress and ran to help, according to officials. Video shows Ryder braving enormous waves to reach the child and clutching onto him despite being tossed around by the surf.
Several bystanders attempted to assist Ryder, going against standard public safety advice, but powerful waves forced them to retreat. Ryder maintained his grip, and a fellow lifeguard eventually joined him to bring the boy safely back to shore.
Father’s Pride and Son’s Humility
Shane Williams, a retired firefighter, said his son told him, “I just was not going to let that happen.” He added, “I almost started crying because how determined he was to save that boy’s life makes me so proud.” Ryder, who is not on social media, was oblivious to the widespread attention and believed he merely did his duty. “He told me he doesn’t know why everyone was blowing this out of proportion,” Shane said.
Lifelong Preparation
Ryder’s journey to that moment began early. He could swim on his own by age six, excelled in water polo as a hole set, and underwent junior lifeguard training for years. He completed the California state parks lifeguard academy despite enduring four days of fever. His father noted that Ryder’s comfort in the water came naturally, joking about “everyone trying to drown our boy” during water polo.
First Rescue of Many
The Saturday rescue was the first of Ryder’s career. Shortly after going off duty, he helped save two other people in more difficult conditions, though no video captured that event. Shane said, “It’s just been in his DNA since he was born. He sees it as his job – his duty.” Over the weekend, Ryder’s lifeguard district reported 34 rescues, as the National Weather Service warned of perilous waves and rip currents from distant tropical cyclones.
Shane admitted he wasn’t sure he could have held on as his son did. “He was such a stud out there. I’m super, super proud of him,” he said.
