Ryder Williams, the 16-year-old lifeguard whose dramatic beach rescue went viral, is speaking out about the incident that turned him into an internet sensation.
The teen has remained remarkably composed while describing the potentially fatal event that unfolded at Seabright Beach last weekend.
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A Rescue Caught on Camera
Video of Ryder sprinting into the pounding surf to save a young boy from powerful waves has amassed millions of views online.
Ryder detailed the nail-biting moment, explaining that the boy was swept off his feet close to shore.
The biggest challenge, he said, was that his fins were ineffective in such shallow water.
After bringing the boy safely back to shore, Ryder was called into action two more times that day to help swimmers caught in the rough conditions.
Despite the dangerous surf keeping lifeguards on high alert, Ryder emphasized that the rescue was just one of many he made that day.
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Humble Hero
While the footage has people calling him a hero, Ryder has stayed humble, saying he was simply doing the job he was trained to do.
He added that it has been amazing watching the rescue video spread across social media.
The father of the rescued boy, Sumit Rai, said his son Nathaniel lost consciousness during the incident. His daughter was traumatized after witnessing it.
Rai said they were "lucky" the outcome wasn't worse, crediting the lifeguard with saving his son's life.
A Message for Beachgoers
Ryder hopes the viral moment serves as a reminder that the ocean can become dangerous in an instant.
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He urged beachgoers to always pay attention to warning flags, lifeguard instructions, and changing surf conditions.
After the rescue, the 10-year-old boy was checked out by paramedics and went home with his parents after being found fine.
The attention has even caught President Trump's eye, who plans to invite the lifeguard and his family to D.
C. and present him with a "high civilian honor."
There has been no confirmation as of yet if Ryder will accept the invite.
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As for being labeled a hero, Ryder isn't embracing the title. But after his viral rescue, plenty of people would say he's earned it.
