Rescue showcases the push for SCR 192
SANTA CRUZ – When powerful, unforgiving waves slammed into the shoreline at a Santa Cruz beach on July 25, 2026, threatening the lives of those caught in their path, Ryder Williams, a 16-year-old California State Parks seasonal lifeguard launched a daring rescue that has left even the most experienced lifeguards and first responders in awe. His dramatic and highly suspenseful rescue of a 10-year-old boy who was being pulled under by powerful ocean waves has captured the attention of people around the world.
“Seasonal lifeguards have a dangerous job that demands bravery, quick yet calm thinking, physical strength, and a thorough knowledge of ocean currents, all while assisting panic-stricken individuals who are being overcome by the unrelenting surges of the ocean,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona. “The rescue, captured by a photographer at Seabright State Beach, was nothing short of remarkable, offering the world a close-up view of the dangerous challenges State Parks lifeguards confront in their life-saving work.”
CSLEA commends Williams’ bravery, along with his rescue partner CSLEA Seasonal Member and State Parks Seasonal Lifeguard II Aaron Bohnen, as well as the intense work of all open water lifeguards who put their lives on the line to save the lives of beachgoers. This rescue, while one of many conducted by ocean lifeguards throughout the state and country, showcases the push for California Senator Henry Sterns’ Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 192, introduced on July 2, 2026. This measure would “recognize open water lifeguards as first responders, in acknowledgment of their essential role in emergency response, public safety, and drowning prevention, as provided. The measure would urge all California public agencies employing open water lifeguards to formally recognize them as first responders in their training frameworks, emergency planning documents, and mutual-aid agreements, as provided.”
“This is an important moment to recognize the exceptional work that California State Park’s seasonal lifeguards perform every day. They protect lives, respond to emergencies under intense pressure, and make difficult decisions in seconds—often with little public recognition of the responsibility they carry. Lawmakers will likely vote on SCR 192 in August. CSLEA is in support of SCR 192,” said Barcelona.
Barcelona also added, “This is also a timely reminder that union membership provides a vital safety net for its members. When lifeguards face legal challenges arising from the good-faith performance of their duties, they should not have to face those challenges alone. Union representation helps ensure they have access to the legal support, advocacy, and protections they deserve while carrying out the critical work of keeping our beaches and waterways safe.”
According to State Parks there are about 600 seasonal lifeguards employed during the summer and about 70 permanent lifeguards who work year-round. State Park estimates its lifeguards make one million preventative actions and 10,000 rescues every year. Since July 1, 2026, lifeguards have performed 110,000 preventative actions, 3,600 rescues and over 1,600 medical aids.
“To all CSLEA members who put the safety of others before their own while performing their duties, please be safe, stay connected with your union representatives and the work your union does on your behalf, and as a reminder, be sure your beneficiary for you $15,000 CSLEA basic life insurance benefit is up to date.”
For additional info on Seasonal Lifeguard rescue visit California State Parks: Weekly Digest – July 31, 2026
