High schoolers rescue drowning man on band trip honoring America’s 250th birthday

HONOLULU (WLOX/Gray News) - A pair of Mississippi band members on a patriotic trip halfway across the world became real-life heroes when they pulled a drowning man from the ocean.

Griffin Johnson and Mason Crawford traveled with the Mississippi Lions All-State Band to Hawaii, where they performed during festivities honoring America’s 250th birthday at Pearl Harbor.

Johnson is a Long Beach High School graduate, and Crawford is a Picayune Memorial High School junior.

After their performance, Johnson and Crawford were sightseeing off Waikiki Beach when they spotted a man struggling and yelling for help after 300 yards offshore. Without hesitation, their instincts took over, and they rushed into the water.

“It was kind of scary, but it was just in the heat of the moment,” Crawford said.

“It’s just adrenaline, kind of. I mean, we’re just confused in the moment; we were just trying to get him out,” Johnson said.

For Johnson, stepping in came naturally. He’s spent the last three years working as a lifeguard at the Pass Christian Yacht Club, where he’s trained to stay calm when every second counts.

“If you don’t know if somebody needs help, you go and get them. So, I kind of wasn’t thinking in the moment. We couldn’t see him, so I swam out there to see what was going on and then, I saw him. So, we brought him back,” Johnson said.

Johnson and Crawford never left the man’s side, helping keep him afloat until he was back onshore.

“Are we going to be able to get him? I’m following Griffin. I’m right behind him, but are we going to be able to get this guy out? Are we going to be able to save him?” Crawford questioned.

And they did.

Johnson and Crawford later learned the man, Pati’ Luna, was their travel agent for the trip. Before heading home, they reunited with him.

“We were just talking about what happened. He was saying that we actually restored his faith in Christ, which I think was really great, whether you’re religious or not,” Crawford said.

A trip meant to honor America’s history became a reminder of something even bigger.

“At the end of the day, I don’t necessarily need the credit. I’m just glad that we were able to rescue Pati’ and rescue a life, but it does feel great,” Crawford said.

He and Johnson say Luna has already told them they have an invitation to come back to Hawaii anytime.