Trump tells 10-year-old saved by teen lifeguard: 'I might not have jumped in'

During a White House visit on Tuesday, President

During a White House visit on Tuesday, President Donald Trump met with 10-year-old Nathanial Rai and 16-year-old Ryder Williams, the teen lifeguard who rescued him from a dangerous rip current off the California coast last month. The meeting came after a dramatic video of the rescue went viral online, drawing national attention.

Nathanial was swept off his feet while playing in the surf near San Diego, and Ryder, a junior lifeguard, sprinted into the water to pull him to safety. The footage, captured by a bystander, shows Ryder fighting through the waves to reach the struggling boy.

At the Oval Office, Trump praised Ryder's quick thinking and bravery. Turning to Nathanial, he said, "He's a real hero. I don't know if I'd do it — that was a big wave." The president's comment drew laughter from the room, including from Nathanial and Ryder, who stood side by side with their families.

The rescue occurred on Memorial Day weekend, and

The rescue occurred on Memorial Day weekend, and Ryder's actions were widely celebrated on social media, with many calling him a role model for young people. Ryder, who has been training as a lifeguard for two years, said he simply acted on instinct when he saw Nathanial in trouble.

Nathanial, who lives in Arizona and was vacationing with his family, said he was grateful to Ryder and hoped to become a lifeguard himself one day. The visit ended with the president presenting both boys with commemorative coins and a photo opportunity in front of the Resolute Desk.

The White House said the meeting was arranged to honor the courage of both the rescuer and the rescued, highlighting a story that resonated with Americans across the country.