Janet Froggatt's father was a champion swimmer who taught his family water skills - and young Janet has kept passing on his lessons.
She has been a Dargaville Swimming Club volunteer since 1952, holding the offices of secretary, treasurer and coach for more than 50 years.
And now she has been named in the New Year Honours list to receive a Queen's Service Medal for her services to the community.
Mrs Froggatt said she got quite a shock when she learned a couple of months ago she was getting the award. "I only do it because I enjoy it. I don't do it for this," she said, unused to her work receiving high acknowledgement.
She was happy to steer the conversation toward her son Brian, an international Paralympian, powerlifter and New York marathon competitor.
Mrs Froggatt and her husband Ray have had three children, but Ray is now blind and in his wife's care.
Mrs Froggatt takes such setbacks in her stride, getting on with life. She'll be 79 in a couple of weeks, but said she doesn't feel that old.
She was a member of the trust that was the driving force behind the construction of the 50-metre community pool that opened in Dargaville in 2009.
She is a committee member and treasurer of the Dargaville Museum and maintained the museum's gardens until 2011. She is a member of St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, serving as treasurer and Sunday School teacher.
Mrs Froggatt has been involved with the Citizens Advice Bureau for 14 years.