Can you imagine the horror of hearing a splash and seeing your 4-year-old daughter sinking into a cold lake? Or seeing your 6-year-old son jump in after her?

Jim Prue can. His family was visiting their camp on Rangeley Lake in mid-May. The ice had just gone out. Jude and Jenny Prue were playing on the dock, with Jim just 30 yards away. Jenny fell. Before her father could reach her, his young son had jumped into the water, saving his sister’s life. Neither child has had swimming lessons.

For his heroics, Jude was honored Thursday during a ceremony at Peru Elementary School. He received a plaque and was made an honorary member of the Peru Fire Department.

Adults wiped tears from their eyes as the inscription on the award was read. It’s easy to understand why. Too often, stories like this one don’t end happily. Luckily, this story ends with a hero.

Jude acted quickly and gallantly, and likely saved his sister’s life. His parents and his community are proud of him. So are we.

Also, one lesson: Teach your kids to swim early.