The 48-year-old Otago Boys High School science teacher has helped rejuvenate the Warrington Surf Life Saving Club since she joined in 2002.
The club, boosted by 24 new members joining last season and a further 20 this season, now had 61 lifeguards - the highest number in a decade, Ms Casey said.
"It is pleasing to see numbers so high."
Part of the appeal of the club was the large number of opportunities it offered, with members able to take part in a range of activities, such as sports training and first-aid training.
The added bonus was of "joining a family", she said.
She had a ski patrol background in Wanaka, so surf life-saving was a logical move, but she had taken on a "more clipboard-holder role" over the years, she said.
Her efforts for the club resulted in her winning the lifeguard of the year title at the annual Otago surf life-saving awards.
