The Brief A 16-year-old rookie lifeguard saved a 10-year-old Dallas boy who was swept out by a powerful riptide and knocked unconscious in Santa Cruz, California. The boy's father credited the lifeguard with saving his son's life, while the humble teenager stated he was simply doing his job alongside his team. A 16-year-old rookie lifeguard is being praised for his heroic actions after saving a 10-year-old Dallas boy from a dangerous ocean current in California, drawing national attention and recognition from the White House. Heroic ocean rescueThe rescue happened at a beach in Santa Cruz when 10-year-old Nathaniel lost his footing in shallow water and was swept out by a powerful riptide. Teen lifeguard Ryder Williams spotted the boy struggling against 10-foot crashing waves and ran into the water to reach him.