08/03/2026

Teen lifeguard braves massive waves to rescue young boy

A 16-year-old rookie lifeguard charged into hazardous surf to save a young boy at Seabright Beach in California’s Santa Monica County. Lifeguard Ryder Williams tightly clung to the struggling boy as they were repeatedly submerged and tossed by massive waves. Another lifeguard helped the teen finally bring the boy safely to shore, where paramedics evaluated him before releasing him to his parents. It was the first rescue of Ryder’s career, his proud father said later.

■Class discussion: Do you know how to swim? Have you ever found yourself struggling in the water? Do you ever venture into swiftly flowing water at a beach or river? Are you aware of how quickly nature can change and become dangerous? Have you ever been caught outside in a lightning storm? Do you know how to avoid natural dangers and survive the hazards you can’t avoid? Would you like to learn to better cope with danger? Would you consider training in lifesaving, first aid, or CPR?