Byron Richards was presented with a citizenship award and was asked to recount his story at the assembly for Avondale School, at Cooranbong, this week.

Byron is a Nipper at Stockton Surf Lifesaving Club.

During the school holidays, he was training for Nippers when he noticed a girl being swept out by the current.

Byron paddled out to her then jumped into the water to help her onto his board.

The teenager was exhausted and distressed.

"She was about 30 metres out past the last swimmer," Byron said.

"The surf was pretty big and she was really struggling."

Some senior club officials were alerted, and they paddled out to help Byron with the rescue.

Avondale School principal Dr David Faull said the year 6 student had excelled.

"We promote our value of service, but Byron put it into action by putting his life on the line," Dr Faull said.

"Good news is always well received and to hear a boy explain that he saw someone in trouble and put his life on the line to rescue them is an outstanding act of citizenship."