US President Donald Trump on Monday hosted 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams and 10-year-old Indian-origin boy Nathaniel Rai at the White House, recognising Williams for rescuing the child from dangerous surf off California last month.
The two were reunited in the Oval Office along with their families and fellow lifeguard Aaron Bohnen, who assisted in the rescue at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz on July 25.
Williams spotted Nathaniel being swept into the powerful waves, reached him and held on despite the dangerous conditions until help arrived. The dramatic rescue was captured on video and later went viral.
Trump praised Williams as a “real hero” and said the rescue was “incredible”. He also complimented Nathaniel for remaining calm during the ordeal and told him he was lucky to have survived.
Trump had earlier said Williams deserved a high civilian honour after seeing the rescue footage.
Williams said he relied on his lifeguard training during the rescue and hopes to become a firefighter or paramedic. Nathaniel’s father, Sumit Rai, expressed gratitude, saying he could never repay Williams for saving his son’s life.
Trump also invited the group to tour the Lincoln Bedroom at the White House.
