Rescue at Seabright Beach: Boy’s Harrowing Experience
A 10-year-old boy recently rescued from the rough waters at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, recounted believing he was on the brink of death during his dramatic rescue, an event that caught the attention of President Donald Trump.
Nathanial Rai appeared on CBS Mornings alongside his father, Sumit Rai, discussing the terrifying incident that occurred on July 25th, when he lost his footing at the shoreline and was pulled into the surf. He described how “the waves were really big” that day.
“Before the lifeguard came, I thought I was going to die,” Nathanial recalled. “It was really quick and it felt scary because I didn’t know if I was going to make it.”
His father expressed that his son was perilously close to drowning, highlighting the heroism of 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams, who was the first to reach Nathanial and held onto him tightly despite the crashing waves.
“Ryder knew that if he lets go, Nathaniel is going to drown,” Sumit Rai stated, revealing that Nathanial had become unconscious during the struggle.
“He had gone limp. He wasn’t breathing… It was an incredible physical feat, not just a mental feat and a feat of bravery,” Sumit said, expressing his eternal gratitude for Ryder’s actions.
After the rescue, President Trump praised the lifeguard’s bravery on social media, stating that Williams would receive the Presidential Citizens Medal, a recognition for exceptional service.
“We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House… He deserves it!” Trump wrote.
Nathanial mentioned he had never seen waves as large as those that day, noting he had only seen similar conditions online. Just before the incident, he had even asked an adult named Anna if they were safe to swim, expressing concern over the rough conditions.
“She told me I could swim in the water, and I told her I didn’t want to because the waves were too big,” Nathanial reflected.
Unfortunately, while standing at the water’s edge, he lost his balance and was swept away by a wave, which quickly escalated the situation to a life-threatening level, according to his father. Sumit also recognized the efforts of a second lifeguard, Aaron Bohnen, and bystanders who rushed to help, although Williams had to wave them off to keep them safe.
“First, I want to express my gratitude to him for saving Nathaniel’s life,” Sumit praised. “Had it not been for Ryder, Nathaniel wouldn’t be sitting here next to me today.”
In the aftermath, the California State Parks released a video featuring Williams sharing his account of the rescue, coinciding with International Lifeguard Appreciation Day.
“I saw a child about 20 yards up from the tower lose his footing in ankle-deep water,” Williams detailed in the video.
He then bolted to the beach with his gear but faced challenges due to the powerful surf. Williams recalled wrestling to keep hold of Nathanial as he went limp, realizing that he couldn’t swim them both back to shore alone.
“The whole time I was thinking, ‘I just need to hold my position until my partner can get here,’” he shared.
With Bohnen’s help, they managed to bring Nathanial to safety and attended to him with medical supplies until help arrived. Thankfully, Nathanial suffered no major injuries.
“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to return the child to his family safely. I love what I do. I’m thankful to my fellow lifeguards who perform rescues just like this every day,” Williams expressed.
