A 16-year-old lifeguard who gained national attention after risking his own safety to save a 10-year-old boy from powerful waves at a Santa Cruz beach had already helped rescue other swimmers earlier that same day, according to his family.

Ryder Williams became the center of attention after a dramatic Saturday rescue at Seabright Beach, where he rushed into dangerous surf to reach the young boy who had been pulled into the powerful waves.

As beachgoers watched from shore, Ryder fought through the rough water and managed to bring the child safely back to land. Video of the rescue quickly spread online and even caught the attention of President Trump.

But according to Ryder’s grandfather, George Williams, the teenager’s work was far from over.

“He had two rescues afterwards on the same day that were more gnarly,” George told The Post.

In total, Ryder reportedly took part in five rescues during his Saturday shift.

His family says the humble teenager is not looking for fame and would rather return to his normal routine. His father, Shane Williams, said Ryder simply wants to enjoy his summer, work hard, and continue serving and protecting his community.

Despite the sudden national attention, Ryder was already back at his lifeguard station Tuesday.

His family said they are proud of his actions but are also trying to protect him from the overwhelming attention that followed the rescue.

The family received another surprise when President Trump announced that Ryder could receive a “high civilian honor” for his bravery and potentially be invited to the White House with his family and the boy he rescued.

Ryder’s father said the family had only recently learned about the announcement and had not yet decided whether they would travel to Washington, D.C. He also said that, at the time, no one from the White House had contacted the family directly.

Now preparing to enter his junior year of high school, Ryder is an only child and has already returned to work at the beach. His father said the teenager has also considered eventually following in his footsteps and pursuing a career in the fire service.

For now, however, the family is taking things one step at a time and making sure Ryder is doing well after the intense experience.

The rescue left him with only minor injuries, including scrapes on his forehead after hitting the sand while holding onto the boy.

But the emotional impact of the rescue stayed with his family.

When Ryder returned home, he reportedly told his father that he refused to let go of the child because he knew the boy could drown if he did.

For Ryder, however, the dramatic rescue was simply part of the job.

“He said, ‘This is what I do,'” his grandfather recalled.

His family says the teenager’s actions reflect the caring and community-minded person he has always been.

“He just wants to give back to his community because he grew up here,” his father said.