The father of the 10-year-old boy rescued from dangerous surf at a California beach is speaking out for the first time, saying a teenage lifeguard’s quick actions gave his son a second chance at life.

Sumit Rai became emotional as he recalled receiving a phone call from his son, Nathaniel, after the frightening incident at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz.

“My son told me, ‘Dad, I drowned. I went unconscious,’” Rai said. “I’m listening to him, and he thinks he is going to die.”

The dramatic rescue unfolded while Seabright State Beach was under a high surf advisory. California State Parks reported waves between 4 and 6 feet, with some swells reaching as high as 10 feet.

Nathaniel had been standing on wet sand near the shoreline when a powerful wave knocked him off his feet and pulled him about 15 yards into deep water.

Sixteen-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams, who was stationed at Tower 2, spotted the boy struggling roughly 20 yards away. After radioing for assistance, he dropped his equipment, grabbed his rescue buoy and fins, and raced into the ocean.

Williams later said the rescue became critical almost immediately.

“After the first wave, I was unable to pull him out because he was limp and the waves were pushing so hard,” he recalled.

Video of the rescue quickly spread online, but witnesses said the footage captured only part of the ordeal. Williams reportedly held onto the unconscious child through several powerful waves before fellow lifeguard Aaron Bohnen reached them to help complete the rescue.

Rai praised the teenager’s determination, noting the physical challenge of carrying an unconscious child through violent surf.

“Doing that is remarkable,” he said. “There is no way I could ever repay him.”

The two lifeguards eventually brought Nathaniel safely back to shore, where they checked him for injuries.

At the time of the rescue, Rai had not yet reunited with his son because he was not on vacation with his children.

“The first thing I’ll do is give him a big hug,” he said. “I’m so relieved and grateful for Ryder and his courage and heroism in going into that tumultuous condition to save my son. Without him, my son wouldn’t be alive.”

The rescue has since gained national attention, prompting President Donald Trump to say Williams deserves an invitation to the White House along with a prestigious civilian honor.

Rai strongly supported the idea.

“He absolutely should,” he said. “I’m for any award or recognition. I’m his biggest fan, and I am so grateful for what he did. My children are precious to me, and nothing means more to me.”

Despite the praise, Williams has remained humble about the rescue.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to return the child to his family safely,” he said. “This is my job, and I love what I do. I’m thankful to my fellow lifeguards who perform rescues just like this every day.”

According to California State Parks, lifeguards in the Santa Cruz District carried out 34 rescues over that same weekend and made more than 5,000 preventative safety contacts with beachgoers, highlighting the vital role they play in keeping visitors safe along California’s coastline.