It was a Sunday, the day before spring break ended, and I was quietly doing my homework when my phone rang. On the other end was my friend, and even before she spoke, I could sense something was wrong. Then I heard words no one should ever hear: “Colt drowned.” My heart stopped instantly. I was only 12 years old and didn’t fully grasp what had happened or how something so devastating could occur.
Even now, eleven years later, I still have so many questions—so many that remain unanswered. At the time, I had no idea that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1 to 4, or that there are multiple layers of protection that can prevent such tragedies. Most parents don’t know this until it happens to them. That’s exactly why the Colt Catalina Foundation exists—to raise awareness, educate, and save lives.
I will never forget the first day I met Colt. I was in fifth grade, walking to my mom’s car after school when I saw him in his dad’s arms, waiting to pick up his sisters. I asked Mackenzie, “Is that your baby brother?” She smiled and said, “Yes.” He had his little John Deere hat on and the biggest, most joyful smile I’d ever seen. From that day on, I couldn’t wait to get out of school to see him. I would wave and say, “Hi, Colt,” and he’d respond with a huge grin, little happy noises, and the flapping of his tiny arms.
As he grew older, Colt became even more full of life. He’d run across fields in his cowboy hat and boots, always accompanied by his dog, Lucy, to greet his sisters after school. Some of my fondest memories are of him playing at the ballpark, gripping his blue bat in the sand, or simply playing outside whenever I visited a friend’s house. Every moment with him was full of curiosity, laughter, and joy.
The last time I saw Colt, his oldest sister held him in her arms. I never imagined it would be the last time, but I treasure that memory—and every single smile, laugh, and little mischief he shared. He was the most adorable, vibrant little boy I had the honor of knowing. I have known the Catalina family for thirteen years and am especially close to Mackenzie and Presley. Our shared history, schools, and mutual friends make them feel like family. They are truly remarkable people, and Colt’s memory lives in all of us who love him.
Colt Walker Catalina was born on January 18, 2008, to John and Natalie Catalina. He was the beloved little brother to Mackenzie and Presley. Colt was full of life—sweet, loving, and endlessly curious. His bright blue eyes, infectious laugh, and winning smile could light up any room. He adored baseball and would excitedly watch his sisters get ready for practice, ready to dash to the ballpark with them. He loved monster trucks, horses, tractors, and even Chick-fil-A. Riding in the Jeep with the wind in his face, singing, dancing, and observing the world around him, he embraced every moment. Nothing escaped his notice—flowers, bugs, rocks, the simplest things brought him joy.
On a cold Sunday, March 21, 2010, Colt was spending the day at a relative’s house with Presley, who was seven at the time. His parents were occupied—his dad at work, his mom and oldest sister at a softball game. The children watched movies while a relative briefly stepped outside to feed the horses, leaving another adult to supervise. Unknowingly, Colt followed the relative outside and somehow ended up in the backyard pool. At the time, there was no fence around the pool. He was estimated to have been in the water for twenty minutes before being discovered. First responders performed CPR, and PHI Air Medical Flight transported him to Dell Children’s Hospital, but despite their heroic efforts, Colt could not be revived. He had just turned two, and his life was cut tragically short by an accident that could have been prevented.
Colt’s death shook me deeply. Watching his family endure unimaginable grief left a hole in my own heart. Five years later, after witnessing their pain and trying to process everything, I finally found the courage to ask his parents if I could start a nonprofit in his honor. I wanted to prevent other families from experiencing the heartbreak that Colt’s family suffered.
I spent countless hours researching drownings, discovering that they are a silent daily tragedy claiming thousands of young lives each year. I learned shocking facts: a child can drown in thirty seconds, drowning is silent, and most importantly, it is entirely preventable. That’s when I discovered survival swim lessons. Unlike traditional swim lessons, survival swim teaches children as young as six months to save themselves in an emergency, even while fully clothed. Watching videos of babies and toddlers learning these life-saving skills inspired me—it became my mission.
I know without a doubt that if Colt had received survival swim lessons and if there had been a proper fence around the pool, he could be here today. This knowledge fuels my advocacy. I founded the Colt Catalina Foundation for Drowning Prevention and Child Safety at just 17 years old. Today, it is the largest drowning prevention foundation in Austin, Texas, offering survival swim lesson scholarships to children in need. Partnered with Infant Aquatics®, the second-largest survival swim program in the world, we teach children ages six months through six years the swim-float-swim method—skills that can truly save lives.
Beyond scholarships, I educate parents on critical steps to prevent drownings: supervision, pool fences, alarms, and CPR training. Most importantly, I urge every parent to enroll their children in survival swim lessons. My mission is to ensure that no other family experiences the heartbreak Colt’s did. I am training to become an Infant Aquatics® Survival Specialist to continue teaching life-saving skills, honoring Colt’s memory, and raising awareness so that fewer families endure this preventable tragedy.
Colt will never be forgotten. Lives were shattered, hearts left in pieces, but his story continues to save lives. His family, friends, and everyone touched by him carry his memory forward. Colt Walker Catalina, January 18, 2008–March 21, 2010, will forever remain in our hearts as a bright, joyous angel.
“Our nightmare began when we lost you, leaving a heartache no one can ever heal. We miss you terribly and would give anything to hold you again.” — Love, Dada, Momma, Mackenzie & Presley
“There’s a hole in our hearts time will never heal. We miss you beyond measure.” — Love, Dada, Momma, Mackenzie & Presley
