A 16-year-old rookie lifeguard hailed by President Trump after a dramatic California beach rescue says he made one decision as towering waves crashed around him: “I wasn’t going to let go of that kid.” In his first statement since the rescue, Williams recounted the heart-stopping moments and described the actions he took as he rushed into the water. 3 A 16-year-old rookie lifeguard hailed by President Trump after a dramatic California beach rescue says he made one decision as towering waves crashed around him: “I wasn’t going to let go of that kid.” The rescue earned the teen national praise, with Trump announcing that he plans to invite Williams to the White House to receive a high civilian honor. After bringing Nathaniel safely onto the beach, Williams retrieved medical equipment before the boy was assessed.