Trump Honors Teen Lifeguard and Rescued Boy After Viral Santa Cruz Beach Rescue

President Trump hosted 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams and 10-year-old Nathanial Rai in the Oval Office in August 2026, weeks after viral video showed Williams pulling Rai from hazardous surf at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California. A second lifeguard, Aaron Bohnen, assisted in reaching shore. Trump told Rai: "He's a real hero. I don't know if I'd do it."