‘Baywatch’ Honors Hero 16-Year-Old Lifeguard Ryder Williams During Set Visit (EXCLUSIVE)

By Michael Schneider

Michael Schneider

Variety Editor at Large

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Before the “Baywatch” producers wrapped filming the revival’s first season, they brought a special guest to the set this week: Real-life rookie lifeguard Ryder Williams, the 16-year-old who made headlines when he saved a 10-year-old boy on a Santa Cruz beach amid 8-to-10-foot high pounding waves and rip currents.

Williams and his parents were invited as guests on the Fox lot in Century City — and just in time, as it was the last day of full production on the upcoming Fox series (set to premiere in early 2027). The cast and crew paid tribute to Williams, with series star Stephen Amell giving Williams a Season 1 “Baywatch” crew jacket.

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