President Trump honors lifeguard who saved 10-year-old boy from drowning

President Donald Trump welcomed 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams and 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai to the Oval Office to honor Ryder’s heroic rescue of Nathaniel, who nearly drowned in the Santa Cruz, California, surf last month.

The rescue, which was caught on camera and went viral, showed Nathaniel clinging to Ryder as the lifeguard struggled to bring them both safely back to shore.

“And he saved this young gentleman,” Trump said, referring to Nathaniel. “Who I had a long talk with. I said, when you have made it without him? And he said, not really. Right? Not really. It was trouble.”

During the event, Trump was asked by Washington Correspondent Jackie DeFusco about a push in Congress to classify open-water lifeguards as first responders, which could expand their access to federal benefits and programs.

“First time I’ve ever heard the question,” Trump said. “But this is something that’s been going on, I guess. Is that right? I’d like to put my weight behind it. So let’s take a look at it. Very important.”