One year ago, rookie lifeguard Will White and his cousin Sergio Schuler were being hailed as heroes after saving a drowning man's life near Waihi.
One year on, and now the youngest recipients of the RSA's prestigious Anzac of the Year Award are encouraging Kiwis to support the Surf Life Saving Summer Appeal.
On December 29, 2012, aged just 12 years old, Will and Sergio half-dragged, half-encouraged Vincent Shao out of rough surf near Bowentown.
They were on the beach when they saw Vincent struggling in a rip with his head just above the water. He raised his hand and was calling for help. Both strong swimmers, Will and Sergio swam out to Vincent and encouraged him to swim ashore, eventually dragging him in.
In April, they were honoured for their courage and selfless commitment for saving Mr Shao' life by being awarded the Anzac of the Year Award.