South Mississippi band members rescue drowning man off Waikiki Beach

HONOLULU, Hawaii (WLOX) — What started as a patriotic journey halfway across the world became a real-life rescue story.

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.

While they were sightseeing off Waikiki Beach after their performance, the pair said they spotted a man struggling and yelling for help about 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,” Picayune Memorial High School junior Mason 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,” Long Beach High School student Griffin 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, I kind of just swam out there because 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 his side, helping keep him afloat until the man 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.

Before heading home, the duo reunited with Pati’ Luna, the man they helped save and who they discovered was their travel agent for this trip.

“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.

The boys say Pati’ has already told them they have an invitation to come back to Hawaii anytime.

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