Yass’ Kate Kelly and Murrumbateman’s Bronte Haskins were recognised at a special 1st Murrumbateman Scouts ceremony on April 10 for their heroics in rescuing Jess Templeman in 2011.

The incident occurred in September of that year when Ms Kelly was invited by Ms Haskins to the Murrumbateman Scouts Venturer Group ‘Bring a Friend Day’.

The group made their way to Shallow Crossing near Nelligen and spent the day canoeing and swimming.

They also went up river and made a rope swing.

The next day Ms Templeman swam back, clothed, to collect the rope and that’s when things went horribly wrong.

Under the weight of her clothes and the rope she’d wrapped around herself she started to drown.

Ms Kelly and Ms Haskins heard her call for help, ran along the bank of the river and leapt into the water, eventually bringing her to safety.

Ms Kelly said she didn’t think twice about saving her friend.

"She needed help, so we just jumped in…she was going under, it was an easy decision to go in after her," she told the Tribune yesterday.

Ms Kelly said she didn’t think much of it initially but Ms Templeman told her she had feared for her life.

"Jess just cried and thanked us. She thought she was going to die."

Kate said the ‘Medal for Meritorious Conduct’ meant a lot to her but she felt it was a bit of an overreaction.

"I felt pretty special."

The year 12 student said this could have happened to anyone and it was essential that all people should be able to swim.

"I think it’s essential to be able to swim well, especially in a country like Australia where there are so many rivers and beaches."