A young girl who jumped into a swimming hole in unknown waters to rescue her older brother has been honoured with a lifesaving award.

Gabby MacDonald of St. John’s was in Grand Falls-Windsor with her family—including 13-year-old Nick—in August of 2016. They went to Thunder Park Falls, where Nick was sucked under the surface by a whirlpool.

Even at the tender age of 10, Gabby was a skilled swimmer, having completed all of her levels. Her brother was not as well-prepared.

Gabby—now in Grade 8 at Beaconsfield—knew her brother was in serious trouble, and jumped into action.

She says at one point they were both pulled under by the force of the whirlpool.

Gabby says she and her brother were—and still are—very close.