16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams has become one of the most recognizable faces of the summer after risking his own life to save a 10-year-old boy from pounding surf in Santa Cruz, California – a clip that has gone utterly viral.

Now, the teenage hero is finally speaking publicly.

"This is my job and I love what I do," Williams said in a statement from California State Parks. "I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to return the child to his family safely. I'm thankful to my fellow lifeguards who perform rescues just like this every day."

Williams' dramatic rescue at Seabright State Beach went worldwide after, showing him battling relentless 8-to-10-foot waves while refusing to let go of the struggling boy.…