California lawmakers weigh first-responder designation for lifeguards

California state lawmakers are reviewing proposed legislation that would officially designate lifeguards as first responders — a debate that broke into public view the same week that Donald Trump hosted 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams in the Oval Office to honor his rescue of 10-year-old Nathanial Rai from pounding surf at a Santa Cruz beach.

The state senator whose district includes Santa Cruz, Laird, said the central question was scope and training. “Of course, lifeguards are first responders, but first responders also go through this rigorous training, so you’d have to decide – because in the peace officer standards training you go through eight months of training – so you’d have to decide what’s appropriate here,” Laird said. He added: “How does it work? How does it get designated? What training comes with it? Who pays for it?”

NBC Bay Area reported that analysts said the designation would bring lifeguards more professional recognition, support, and resources, and could offer them better worker protections and benefits. The outlet also spoke with people who said they could not believe lifeguards were not already designated as first responders.

The Oval Office meeting grew out of a post from Eric Trump, who said Williams deserved “the highest civilian honor.” Trump responded on social media that Williams deserved a civilian honor and that he would invite the teen to the White House to reward his bravery.

Trump met Williams and Rai in the Oval Office on Monday. Trump called Williams “a real hero.” He told Rai, “I don’t know if I’d do it,” and added, “I wouldn’t, probably. You’re lucky I wasn’t on the service that day.”

Rai, wearing a dark suit and maroon tie, sat on a gold couch alongside his father, Sumit Rai, and Trump. Williams sat across from Rai, and both watched as Trump spoke about their ordeal.

The rescue occurred at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz. Video posted online in late July showed Williams clinging to Rai as pounding waves repeatedly crashed over them. The pair disappeared from view and reemerged after several seconds as the wave receded. A second lifeguard, Aaron Bohnen, eventually helped bring both back to shore.

Rai’s father, Sumit, told the Associated Press of Williams: “What he did, I can never repay. I’m forever grateful.”