Sixteen-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams received a special surprise from the cast and crew of Baywatch after risking his own life to rescue a 10-year-old boy from dangerous ocean waves.

Williams became widely recognized after the dramatic rescue at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California, on July 25. The teenage rookie lifeguard entered the rough surf and managed to bring Nathaniel Rai safely back to shore.

His actions soon attracted attention far beyond the local community, earning praise from people across the country and even from President Trump, who announced that the teenager would receive a high civilian honor.

The story also caught the attention of Hollywood.

Williams and his parents were invited to visit the set of the upcoming Baywatch reboot on the final day of production. There, actor Stephen Amell, who stars in the new series, personally recognized the teenager for his bravery.

In a video shared by the show, Amell praised Williams as “extraordinarily brave” before presenting him with one of his own red Baywatch crew jackets.

The gesture was met with cheers and applause from everyone on set.

Amell also told Williams that he would always be welcome to visit the production and joked that the young lifeguard could “show them how things are done.”

For the Baywatch team, the moment carried a special meaning. Executive producer and showrunner Matt Nix said the series represents the bravery and selflessness Williams demonstrated during the rescue.

“We’re honored to have a real-life hero with us on set,” Nix said.

Greg Bonann, a lifeguard and co-creator of the original Baywatch, also praised the teenager, saying the series has always celebrated people who dedicate themselves to protecting others.

Williams, meanwhile, has remained humble despite the sudden attention. He said the experience has reinforced why he chose to become a lifeguard in the first place.

He described the opportunity to help people every day as an amazing experience and said he has learned a great deal about the beach, rescue work, and what it truly means to be a lifeguard.

A later photo showed Williams wearing his new Baywatch jacket alongside members of the cast.

For a teenager just beginning his career as a lifeguard, the recognition is an unforgettable milestone. But beyond the Hollywood spotlight, his actions on that July morning have already demonstrated the courage, responsibility, and selflessness expected of someone entrusted with protecting lives.

The new Baywatch series is scheduled to premiere in early 2027.