Trump Hosts 16-Year-Old Lifeguard Who Rescued Boy From California Waves

US President Donald Trump has hosted 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams at the White House after the teenager rescued a 10-year-old boy from powerful waves off the California coast.

The White House shared footage of the meeting on Monday, showing Trump welcoming Williams and recounting the teenager’s actions during the rescue.

“President Trump hosts the 16-year-old lifeguard, Ryder Williams, who saved a 10-year-old boy from rough waves, and shares what he hopes people take away from Ryder’s act of heroism,” the White House said in a post accompanying the video.

During the meeting, Trump praised Williams for his conduct during the rescue.

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“You brought tremendous grace and experience… it’s so amazing to see this happen,” Trump told the teenager.

The meeting came weeks after Trump said he would invite Williams and his family to the White House following widespread attention to footage of the rescue.

In July, Trump said he intended to honour the teenager with a high civilian award and invite the boy he rescued to the White House.

“We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor. Very brave, he deserves it!” Trump had said.

The rescue occurred at Seabright State Beach near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California, where the 10-year-old boy was swept further into the ocean by powerful waves amid dangerous surf conditions.

Footage of the incident showed Williams repeatedly entering the breaking waves while attempting to keep hold of the struggling child.

A second lifeguard and several beachgoers later joined the rescue effort before the boy was brought safely back to shore.

Williams’ mother had previously said her son was simply carrying out the job he loved.