President Donald Trump announced that he will honor a courageous lifeguard for his heroic actions in rescuing a young boy struggling from powerful waves at a northern California beach.
California State Parks has identified the lifeguard as 16-year-old Ryder Williams.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honor, is typically presented to those who have made contributions to the "security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors," according to the White House.
“Our State Park lifeguards courageously risk their own lives every day to keep our visitors safe,” said Tyler Hersko, information officer for California State Parks, in an emailed statement to NTD. “Their dedication never goes unnoticed and they are truly heroes to their local communities, Californians and the nation.”
The lifeguard, in the video, can be seen being repeatedly knocked back by the powerful waves while maintaining his hold of the boy. At one point, onlookers attempted to help with the rescue, but the lifeguard appeared to signal for them to save themselves as waves threatened to also sweep them away.
Witness Recounts Lifeguard’s Heroic Actions
Witness Scott Vander Dussen captured the now-viral video, telling local media that he noticed the boy struggling in the water and alerted the lifeguard.California State Parks Says Lifeguards ‘Invaluable Asset’
California State Parks employs approximately 600 seasonal lifeguards each summer, supported by about 70 permanent lifeguards year-round. Collectively, its lifeguards perform an average of 1 million preventative actions and 10,000 rescues every year.“Our permanent and seasonal lifeguards are an invaluable asset to the California State Parks. Their constant watch, quick actions and dedication protect Californians and visitors from around the world every day,” the agency told NTD.
Lifeguards employed with California State Parks have completed more than 110,000 preventative actions, 3,600 rescues, and over 1,600 medical aids since July 1, 2026, the agency said.
California State Parks also said it emphasizes a preventative lifeguarding philosophy, encouraging lifeguards to proactively engage with and educate visitors, and help them to recognize and avoid hazards before a rescue becomes necessary.