WARSAW — It was a daring water rescue. Now a 12-year-old is being hailed a hero.

Warsaw's Center Lake is described as a place where a family can enjoy a swim and relax. Saturday night around 9:30 that changed.

A 9-year-old's altercation with a teenage bully sent a soft-spoken sixth grader into rescue mode.

"The 15-year-old pushed the 9-year-old in the water," said Cheyanne Lamb. "At first he was fine and then he was going under gasping for air."

Lifeguards who normally keep a watchful eye weren't on duty late Saturday. So without thinking twice, Cheyanne jumped in the water and saved the victim's life.

"It was an instant jump," Cheyanne said. "I jumped off the pier and swam to him, and I brought him up to one of my friends and she pulled him."

Cheyanne confesses she's not the strongest swimmer.

"I'm not that good, but if I set my mind to it, I can swim pretty good," she said.

Cheyanne, who turned 12 Thursday, says she normally avoids attention.

But Cheyanne's mom says her daughter's quick thinking is making waves around the community and at school.

"Mr. Polston (the principal at Harrison School) told everyone what she did, and I cried," said Stephanie Lamb. "I was so happy and everybody stood up and applauded her for it."

"I'm very proud of her, I'm so happy," Stephanie continued. "I don't know how to express it."

Cheyanne's brave action has left her with a sense of pride.

"When I go out now, I feel more proud of myself," she said. "If it wasn't for me, we would've lost a life."