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Indian-American father thanks lifeguard who rescued son from drowning
The dramatic rescue has drawn national attention and praise for the teenage lifeguard.
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 03, Aug 2026
- 18:04 EDT
- 60
The lifeguard saving the 10-year old boy / X/ @diol2n
The father of a 10-year-old Indian-American boy who was rescued from the ocean by a teenage lifeguard in California expressed his gratitude to the rescuers and stated that his son had narrowly escaped drowning.
Sumit Rai said his son, Nathaniel, was swept into rough surf at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz on July 25 while vacationing in California with his mother and eight-year-old sister.
Also Read: Telangana student dies in US after saving friends from drowning
كان المصور سكوت يقوم بتصوير شاطى سيبرايت في كاليفورنيا عندما لاحظ رأس شخص يظهر ويختفي وسط الامواج العنيفة فسارع الى ابلاغ احد المنقذين
— Saif (@diol2n) July 27, 2026
اتضح انه صبي بعمر 10 سنوات كان يركب الامواج على اللوح، قام المنقذ بالامساك به على الرغم من قوة وشدة الامواج الا انه تشبث به بقوه حاول البعض… pic.twitter.com/mav8us1CJd
The dramatic rescue quickly went viral on social media after footage showed 16-year-old rookie lifeguard Ryder Williams battling powerful waves to bring the child safely back to shore.
Speaking to ABC7 News, Rai said Nathaniel realized he was drowning before losing consciousness in the water and that he later learned only a few more seconds could have resulted in a tragedy. Rai said he received a phone call later that evening informing him of the incident and credited Williams, fellow lifeguard Aaron Bohnen and others at the beach with saving his son's life.
According to California State Parks, Nathaniel was knocked off his feet by a wave and swept about 15 yards offshore. Williams immediately entered the water and held onto the child as waves repeatedly crashed over them before Bohnen joined the rescue.
Together, they brought Nathaniel safely back to shore after battling the swell for nearly two minutes. The 10-year-old was treated by paramedics and later found to have no serious injuries.
The rescue was captured by beachgoer Scott Vander Dussen, whose video drew nationwide attention to Williams' actions. Williams, who is in his first season as a California State Parks lifeguard after completing marine safety and medical training, returned to duty after the rescue and assisted with several more rescues later that day.
The rescue has since received widespread recognition across the United States. President Donald Trump has announced plans to invite Williams and his family to the White House to present the teenage lifeguard with a civilian honor for his bravery. A date for the ceremony has not yet been announced.
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