Seabright Beach, California: Teen lifeguard Ryder saves child in huge waves, Trump invites him to White House

A teenager’s summer job as a lifeguard has landed him in the spotlight after a dramatic ocean rescue.

The 16-year-old, who has been identified as Ryder, was at California’s Seabright Beach on July 25 when he had to jump into action.

A young child was trapped and exhausted in treacherous currents and large swell.

As huge waves battered the shore, Ryder desperately tried to get the child into shore, bear-hugging the child so as not to lose him in the currents.

The pair were thrown around by powerful waves, with Ryder appearing to throw himself into them first to protect the boy.

Every time the two disappeared under the water after a big wave, they emerged with Ryder still holding onto the child.

Another lifeguard joined the effort to rescue the boy, with other passersby trying to help, too.

The dramatic rescue unfolded over a period of about two minutes.

The boy was around 10 years old and has not yet been identified.

It is understood the child made it to shore safely and returned home to his family unharmed after being assessed by paramedics.

The rescue was one of more than 25 that day, as huge swells rolled through.

Because of Ryder’s age, it is believed this is his first season as a lifeguard, as the minimum age for the role is 16.

Photographer Scott Vander Dussen was at the beach snapping pictures of the powerful waves when he witnessed the rescue.

“I heard those waves come crashing in, and I looked out and saw just a head going back out,” he told CBS News Bay Area.

“The waves themselves, just the sound of them crashing, it demanded everyone’s attention.”

Mr Vander Dussen praised Ryder’s bravery and tenacity.

“You could see that he had this like gorilla grip and was preventing that young man from being swept back out to the ocean even further,” he said.

“Any time there was opportunity, you could see he was making forward progress closer to the shore.

“I’m glad that the lifeguards were vigilant. I see them out there every day. I have a lot of respect for them.”

Footage of Ryder’s bravery, captured by Mr Vander Dussen, was shared widely online, even catching the eye of President Donald Trump.

Mr Trump shared a TikTok capturing the rescue on Truth Social, which was reposted by his son, Eric, who urged his dad to act.

“Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honour,” the President’s son wrote.

“This is truly the best of America.

“Well done!”

The President agreed with his son.

“We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honour,” he wrote on Truth Social.

“Very brave, he deserves it!”

It wasn’t just the President who praised Ryder; many commenters celebrated the teenager and commended his bravery.

“Wild to know you’re still in high school having both the skillset and deep resolve of a battle hardened saviour,” one wrote.

While Ryder himself does not have social media, his mum, Shannon, commented on one of the posts.

“I am blown away by the love, kindness, gratitude and respect you’re sending his way!” she wrote.

“He’s not on insta but I will be sure he sees your beautiful comments.

“A few people have asked about a GoFundMe - but honestly he was just doing the job that he absolutely loves.

“If you really want to help, a good program to support is the Santa Cruz County Parks and Rec Junior guards program.

“He and all his buddies participated in it since they were old enough and it’s a fantastic program... we need to make sure lifeguards are classified as first responders.

“Thank you to all the lifeguards!!! They’re having quite the summer and these people are all incredible.”