Sumit Rai received a phone call no parent wants to receive after his 10-year-old son, Nathaniel, was swept into the ocean at California’s Seabright State Beach. Nathaniel was standing on the wet sand near the shoreline when a wave knocked him down and pulled him roughly 15 yards into deep water.

Heroic Rescue

Ryder Williams, a 16-year-old lifeguard stationed at Tower 2, spotted Nathaniel losing his footing. Williams radioed in the situation, left his devices and sunglasses at the base of the tower, and ran toward the shore with fins strapped to his wrists and a buoy. He then dove into the water and swam to reach the boy.

Viral video of the rescue showed Williams holding Nathaniel in the rough surf. After the first wave, Williams was unable to pull Nathaniel out because he was limp and the waves were pushing so hard. About three more waves broke over the two before fellow lifeguard Aaron Bohnen entered the water to assist.

Rai noted that carrying the limp child required Williams to move roughly 100 pounds through the crashing waves. “Doing that is remarkable,” Rai said. “There is no way I could ever repay him.” Williams and Bohnen brought Nathaniel to shore and evaluated him for injuries.

President Donald Trump said Williams deserved a trip to the White House and a national honor. Rai supported recognition for the young lifeguard, saying, “He absolutely should. I’m for any award or recognition.”

Reflecting on the value of local lifeguards in the community, Williams said he feels fortunate. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to return the child to his family safely,” Williams said. “This is my job and I love what I do. I’m thankful to my fellow lifeguards who perform rescues just like this every day.”

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.