Indeed, in many siddurim (prayer books), the language of both versions has been combined: 'and friends you brought across, they crossed the sea'. This requires explanation, as according to our words, each version indicates a different matter. It can be said that both are true: initially, Israel performed an act of friendship on their part by crossing the sea with self-sacrifice, and afterward, it became clear to them that at that moment, Hashem also performed acts of friendship indicating His great kindness and faithfulness to them:

1. They saw that every Egyptian was struck and died in the sea according to his wickedness towards them, as explained in the Mechilta (Beshalach, Masechta D'Shirah, Chapter 5).

2. Hashem made an agreement with the sea to spit them out, so that the Israelites would not be afraid that the Egyptians were still alive (ibid).

3. All this goodness was wrapped in various reasons, for afterward, Hashem had to burn Sisera's army and sweep them away in the waters of the Kishon River, in order to repay the fish for their food that was taken from them when He commanded the sea to spit the Egyptians onto dry land (Pesachim 118b).

Based on this, the order of events in the blessing of the Shema reading is further explained: 'You drowned the wicked and brought the friends across', because indeed Israel crossed first and then the Egyptians were drowned. However, the great kindness and faithfulness of Hashem were seen by Israel only after they had crossed, as explained.