Ryder Williams, the 16-year-old lifeguard who became a viral hero for rescuing a young boy at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, actually saved multiple swimmers that day, according to his family.
His grandfather told the California Post that Ryder made two more rescues after the widely seen incident, describing them as "more gnarly."
In total, the teen performed five saves on Saturday alone.
Ryder's father said the national attention has been overwhelming. "We're so overwhelmed.
I'm trying to shelter him. I still see him as a little boy," he told the outlet.
The attention included a nod from President Trump, who said he plans to invite Ryder and his family to Washington, D.
C. , and present him with a "high civilian honor."
After the initial rescue, the 10-year-old boy was checked by paramedics and released to his parents in good health.
