Published Jul 29, 2026, 6:00 AM ET · Updated 3 months ago · 2 sources

‘I’m super proud of him’: father of teen lifeguard recounts dramatic ocean rescue

guardian
guardian
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Original Report
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‘I’m super proud of him’: father of teen lifeguard recounts dramatic ocean rescue

A rookie, teenage California lifeguard who saved a young boy from drowning amid massive waves – while a bystander recorded dramatic video – has spent his whole life preparing for such a moment, according to his father. Ryder Williams, 16, said he refused to let go of the child because he knew the boy would almost certainly die if he did, the lifeguard’s father, Shane, recounted on Tuesday, three days after the pulse-pounding rescue. Enter your email to keep reading - for free. It takes just 30 s