Footage shows Trump pledging presidential recognition for courageous teenager who risked life to rescue youngster from treacherous surf

President Donald Trump has announced plans to host a 16-year-old lifeguard, identified as Ryder, at the White House, where he will be awarded a top civilian honour for his bravery in rescuing a boy from rough surf off the California coast.

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This decision was made public by Trump on Tuesday through a post on X.com, in which he described the teenager's actions as deserving of recognition and praised his bravery in the water.

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Trump's post on X.com read: "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!"

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The President's remarks came after his son, Eric Trump, had shared a video of the rescue on X on Monday and urged that the teenager be given the country's highest civilian honour.

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Eric Trump wrote: "Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!"

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The rescue took place on Saturday at Seabright State Beach near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California, where powerful waves had swept a boy further into the ocean amid dangerous surf conditions.

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Footage of the incident, shared on TikTok by the account Cajon Pass Freeway 15, showed the teenage lifeguard repeatedly diving beneath crashing whitewater while holding onto the struggling boy.

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

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A woman identifying herself as the teenager's mother expressed gratitude to supporters, stating that her son "was just doing the job that he absolutely loves" and that she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and respect directed at him.