16-year-old California lifeguard saves drowning boy in ocean rescue

Rookie lifeguard Ryder Williams, 16, rescued a young boy from the ocean off Santa Cruz, California, refusing to release him despite dangerous wave conditions.

First covered Jul 29, 2026 · 3:00 AM PT · 1 article

16-year-old California lifeguard saves drowning boy in ocean rescue — Image via theguardian.com

Coverage

1d Guardian Environment ‘I’m super proud of him’: father of teen lifeguard recounts dramatic ocean rescue — Ryder Williams, 16, saved a boy from drowning in Santa Cruz, California – the first rescue of his career A rookie, teenage California lifeguard who saved a…

More coverage from around the web

nbcbayarea.com ‘I love what I do': Lifeguard behind Santa Cruz beach rescue releases statement

tmz.com 16-Year-Old Hero Lifeguard Saved More Santa Cruz Swimmers That Day, Family Says

newsweek.com Who is Ryder Williams? Trump Honors Teen Lifeguard Behind Viral Rescue - Newsweek

foxnews.com Teen lifeguard rescues child from dangerous waves at Santa Cruz beach | Fox News

cbsnews.com Santa Cruz, Capitola Lifeguards Rescue 5 Beachgoers In Separate Incidents

Appeared in: 2026-07-30 (#19)

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