The woman also got into difficulties and Lachlan went into the water to help them.

The man and the woman were both taken to hospital and Lachlan was treated by Ambulance Victoria at the scene.

Sen Cons Joseph said that Lachlan did a fantastic job and things could have been a lot worse if he had not intervened.

"I'm sure that if it had not been for Lachlan these people would have more than likely drowned," he said.