@sbsnews_au: US President Donald Trump has hosted “hero” lifeguard Ryder Williams and 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai at the White House, praising Williams, who rescued Rai from drowning at a beach in Santa Cruz last month. “He’s a real hero,” said Trump, before jokingly telling Rai: “I wouldn’t ... you’re lucky I wasn’t on the service that day.” Speaking to reporters, Williams said he relied on his training and focused on getting the boy out of the water as fast as he could during the incident, adding: “I hope what everyone can take away from this is to try to help more people.” The rescue was one of 34 performed by Santa Cruz district lifeguards over that weekend, according to authorities, as the beach’s geography created dangerous flash rip currents that can sweep even shallow-water waders out to sea.

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Tuesday 18 August 2026 01:47:08 GMT