The 15-year-old Bomaderry High School student went missing after he went for a swim in the Shoalhaven River at Burrier, west of Nowra, on December 31.

Police said emergency services were alerted after Lincoln and another boy got into difficulty in the water.

The pair attempted to get back to shore, before Lincoln disappeared below the water.

Members of the public began a search and Lincoln was recovered after being located by police divers in the river just before 1.30pm on New Year's Day.

Lincoln was a well-loved Bomaderry resident and had dreams to work at the Shoalhaven Animal Shelter.

His older sister, Phoebe Shimmen-Hill, remembers him as a whip smart, kind hearted boy who never let anything stop him from doing what he loved.

"He had such a kind soul," she said. "He was never sad, always happy."

"Lincoln was so good at gaming and was incredibly smart with numbers.

"He was born with autism, dyslexia and ADHD, but it didn't stop him from doing anything he enjoyed doing."

Described as an animal lover who always had "kittens in his pockets", Lincoln spent time at the Shoalhaven Animal Shelter for work experience.

Team leader of the shelter Jodie Parnell remembered Lincoln as "the best work experience kid we had".

"He was a lovely boy, he really was, and we are just devastated," said Jodie.

"He was certainly an animal lover and so well-liked by everyone here."

Phoebe said Lincoln's companion dog, Max, is also starting to feel the weight of the loss.

"Lincoln had such a good connection with Max. He would help him feel okay in situations, when he needed to talk to someone, he'd talk to Max about it first," she said.

"But Max is starting to figure out Lincoln's not coming home.

"He'll sniff all of the people that walk in the door and when he realises none of them are Lincoln, he goes into the front yard and lets out a big sigh."

Phoebe thanked the community members and emergency service workers who assisted with the search.

"I thank everyone who was out at Burrier and gave up their New Year's Eve. We are really, really grateful," she said.

A GoFundMe page was set up by a family friend and has raised more than $7000 as of 3pm Thursday.

Phoebe said the Shoalhaven Animal Shelter is accepting donations of pet treats or toys as a tribute to Lincoln.

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