Watch This 16-Year-Old Lifeguard Refuse to Give Up

You have got to watch this 16-year-old lifeguard refuse to give up on a 10-year-old who was swept out in the surf. When wave after wave comes after them, 16-year-old Ryder Williams never lets go. It’s so inspiring and encouraging to watch.

The 10-year-old swimmer, Nathaniel, was swept away by waves not far from Seabright Beach’s shore in Santa Cruz, California. Several beach-goers tried to rescue him before Ryder ran into the surf. He held him for many minutes as Ryder and others tried to pull him to shore while wave after wave enveloped them. 

"I radioed it in, threw my radio and sunglasses at the base of my tower as I ran toward the kid," Ryder said. "I put my fins on my wrist, popped my buoy, and entered the water to get ahold of the child."

Once they made it back to the shore with help, paramedics checked out the 10-year-old, who lost consciousness during the event, and found him to be okay.

The Families' Response to the Lifeguards' Heroism

Ryder’s mother said, “He was just doing the job that he absolutely loves.” 

Ryder also said that he loves his job and expressed gratitude for other lifeguards who put their lives on the line to save those in the water. 

Nathaniel’s father, Sumit Rai, said he is extremely grateful for the 16-year-old lifeguard. Without him, he doesn’t know if Nathanial could have survived the relentless waves.  

"Another two or three seconds, I don't think my son would have made it,” Sumit said. 

It is amazing to see how Ryder held onto Nathaniel the entire time, without letting go. There were times when the water put both of them under, but Ryder always held onto the 10-year-old. This is the kind of courage and strength that’s required of anyone in a critical-services role, and I’m sure the Santa Cruz beach is proud to have Ryder on its team.

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