Perhaps things just come naturally and easily for 
Krysta Catto. Graduating from Dallas High School in three years. Majoring in biology, studying to be a marine biologist. Saving the lives of little boys overtaken by giant waves in Kona. Huh?
Or maybe it is just instinct. After all, Krysta, 20, was a competitive club swimmer with the Blue Dolphins in Dallas who took her first swim lessons in Milwaukee (Oregon) at six months. Probably pulled a lifeguard out of danger with the help of her little water wings but she’s modest so we might never know. But rest assured that there is an unnamed mother and seven-year-old boy somewhere thinking they came across a special young woman with a different set of wings.
Krysta, a Silverton resident, was vacationing on the Big Island, Kona to be exact, in early February this year with good friends Andie Rodriguez and Jade Sigman. The rather secluded beach was packed with locals and tourists. The waves were high, and the ocean was rough. Very few swimmers were out. No lifeguards were present, and Krysta assumed it was because the beach was somewhat secluded and more “local.”
It was a beautiful spot, Kua Bay. She didn’t think twice about going for a swim. It was Hawaii, after all, and 80 degrees. It didn’t’ hurt that she felt at home in the water and is a very strong swimmer.
While enjoying her time alone, she heard screaming and cries for help. The bay is surrounded by lava rocks and help create a severe undertow. She could not see anyone in the water, but a bystander perched high on the rocks was pointing down at the water.
“I noticed a break in the waves and saw a young boy, obviously distraught and struggling. It was just instinctual. I was the closest one to him and didn’t think twice about helping him. He was very close to the rocks, and those are quite dangerous. I could tell he had basic skills to keep his head above water, go under, then come back up. But he was crying and obviously lost a lot of energy,” Catto said.
She swam to the boy, even though the waves were 8-10 feet high, the ocean was rough, and the wind was picking up. She took hold of his hand and told him, “Listen to me. We are close to the rocks. We have to go under the water because the waves are too big. When we go under, I will let you know so hold your breath.”
The boy nodded, and six times they went under six massive waves. She knew that hanging on to his arm was not going to work since the waves were strong and she was using one arm to swim the two to safety. She then grabbed him to her side, held him tight with one arm wrapped around his body, paddled like the strong, cool-headed swimmer she is. As they finally reached shallow water, the boy’s mother came screaming and crying, and thanked her numerous times. The boy, as seven-year-olds are prone to do, thanked her once and wrapped up in a blanket, quiet and shaking.
Some locals came over to her and congratulated her and told her how so many tourists don’t pay attention to or respect the ocean. They were impressed and thankful for her courage and heroism, mentioning that people are unaware of the ocean’s strength.
Catto added, “It sounds bad, but it was exhilarating.
It helped me put things in perspective and my instincts just kicked in.” When asked if she thought about her own safety and going into harm’s way, she replied, “Not really. Maybe afterwards, but I was right there, closest to him, and knew I had the skills to help the little guy. I did think of my own brother, Cameron, and hope someone would do the same for him. I have to admit, after it was over, I did thank my father and mother for starting me in swim lessons at six months.”
She never did get his name, or that of the mother, who came over three more times to say thank you. The mom, as mothers do, would get upset and yell at the boy a bit, then engulf him in a massive hug.
Catto laughs and says, “Never was my environment more compromised like that. It isn’t like a pool and certainly not the same as swimming laps.”
What advice would she give to those who visit the beach? “Stay focused. Don’t turn your back to the ocean. Be aware of your environment and know when it is compromised.”
What does a powerful swimmer who now has a new moniker, “Hero,” do after calmly saving a life? “I went to get some Poke, a great seaweed, ahi, and rice dish.” No lifeguard on duty, but of course there was a food cart.
This biology student also is a server at Creekside Grill, earning money to continue her studies at Chemeketa. I say we should tip this young woman big. You might need her on your next trip “to the shore.”
