16-Year-Old Lifeguard Rescues Boy at Santa Cruz Beach
At Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, a 16-year-old lifeguard named Ryder Williams made his first rescue by saving a 10-year-old boy who had drifted 15 yards into the water after losing his balance while surfing. Videographer Scott Vander Dussen captured the dramatic moment, showing Williams holding the boy against the crashing waves. With help from another lifeguard, they safely brought the child back to shore, where he was reported to be doing fine. Ryder, who has been swimming since he was a baby, also explored surfing and water polo before joining the lifeguard academy. His father, Shane, shared Ryder's determination during the rescue, while Vander Dussen praised the lifeguards’ vigilance.
Key facts
- Ryder Williams is a 16-year-old rookie lifeguard.
- Rescue occurred at Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz, California.
- A 10-year-old boy was swept 15 yards offshore after losing balance while surfing.
- Williams held the child as waves crashed into them.
- Another lifeguard helped bring the boy to shore.
- The boy was in stable condition on shore.
- Williams started swimming lessons as a baby and could swim independently by age six.
- He learned surfing, boogie boarding, and water polo before joining the California state parks lifeguard academy.
- His father Shane is a retired firefighter.
- Williams does not have social media and was unaware of the viral attention.
- Scott Vander Dussen captured the rescue on video.
- Vander Dussen praised the Santa Cruz lifeguards.
Entities
Institutions
- California state parks lifeguard academy
- Santa Cruz lifeguards
Locations
- Seabright Beach
- Santa Cruz
- California
- United States