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President Donald Trump praised a teenage California lifeguard as a hero during a Monday meeting at the White House, after the 16-year-old rescued a 10-year-old boy in a viral ocean rescue.
Trump met with Ryder Williams, 16, and his family, as well as Nathaniel Rai—who was swept into the ocean by a wave—and his family.
The rescue drew national attention when it was captured on video.
“It’s an honor to be with Ryder Williams,” Trump said in the Oval Office. “I understand he was a winner right from the time they first saw him as a lifeguard. He saved this young gentleman who I had a long talk with.”
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Trump praised Williams, saying, “What you did was incredible and everybody saw it.” He said the teen was an inspiration for young Americans.
Williams, a California State Parks lifeguard, was on duty when Rai was pulled into the water just before the July 25 rescue. Williams rushed to get ahold of the boy, who was being pounded by rough waves until another lifeguard came and helped pull them both to shore.
The rescue went viral, catching the eye of Eric Trump, before President Trump issued a White House invitation to Williams.
“In those dangerous moments that we have, we always try to fall back on our training,” Williams, who aspires to become a firefighter, told reporters. “We are trained so well by many to handle that situation as best we can.”
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“I hope that everybody can take away from this and try to help more people. Try to look out for everybody around you and just try to help everybody out as much as you can,” he added.
Nathaniel’s father, Sumit Rai, who was also in the Oval Office, thanked Williams, saying he’s “beyond grateful” for the rescue of his son.
The teen’s action showed how important lifeguards are, Trump said.
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“Maybe lifeguards don’t get the credit they deserve,” he said.
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