Teen Lifeguard's Daring Ocean Rescue Sparks Pride From Father

Ryder Williams, 16, a rookie California state parks lifeguard at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, saved a 10-year-old swept offshore by a large wave. Despite massive surf and bystanders filming, Ryder held onto the child until a fellow lifeguard could assist, bringing them safely to shore. The viral footage drew praise, though Ryder says he simply did what any lifeguard would do. The rescue was one of 34 that weekend in his district amid warnings of dangerous waves; Ryder isn’t on social media, and his father Shane Williams expressed pride at his son’s composure and duty.