Father of Boy Saved in Dramatic Santa Cruz Surf Rescue Says Son 'Assumed He Was Going to Die'

July 30, 2026

The father of the 10-year-old boy rescued by a heroic teen lifeguard is speaking out for the first time, and his words make it clear just how close this came to ending in tragedy.

"He assumed he was going to die. He was drowning. He knew he was drowning. He blacked out. He went unconscious," said Sumit Rai, the father of the rescued 10-year-old, Nathaniel.

"Another two or three seconds, I don't think my son would have made it."

Rai also shared his heartfelt gratitude for teen lifeguard, Ryder, who never let go of Nathaniel despite the powerful rip current.

"I watched Ryder hold Nathaniel the entire time, it is so easy to let go and be forced to let go with those currents and rips. For him to be able to hold onto him with those forces is incredible."

He added, "God bless them... I cannot express sufficient gratitude."

The father's emotional comments are a powerful reminder of just how extraordinary this rescue truly was.