When powerful waves off the California coast swept a 10-year-old boy off his feet, a young lifeguard managed to save him. The incident has captured worldwide attention, as reported by infohub.kz.
Nathaniel Rai, who was at his father's home in Dallas, says he doesn't remember the moment his feet were swept out from under him. But he does recall the 16-year-old lifeguard, Ryder Williams, who saved his life. The boy says he still has a bruise from the lifeguard's tight grip.
The incident occurred on July 25 at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz. Nathaniel was on vacation with his mother. Ryder Williams saw Nathaniel lose his footing in the shallow water and immediately rushed to help. The waves were so rough that the lifeguard couldn't get a rescue tube around the boy, who lost consciousness and went limp. With the help of a second lifeguard, they managed to get both back to shore.
Nathaniel's father, Sumit Rai, recalled the rescue: "He was two seconds away from dying. If Ryder hadn't gotten to him, he would have been thrown another 15-20 feet out to sea, at which point you can't see him, let alone retrieve him."
The rescue was captured on video and spread around the world, even catching the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump. Nathaniel watched the video and was amazed at how strong the waves were and the bravery of the rescuers.
The father and son had the opportunity to speak with lifeguard Ryder Williams and his father. Sumit Rai said they have many common interests. Nathaniel is now doing well, though he had some trouble breathing for a few days and his back was sore, but otherwise he is fine.