The latest statistics show 40 Kiwis drowned during summer 2022-23, and there were 93 preventable drowning fatalities in 2022, the highest number since 2008.
Water Safety New Zealand chief executive officer Daniel Gerrard said the latest data showed another "devastating" summer drowning toll.
There had been 28 preventable drownings in the first two months of 2023. That did not include the potential drowning deaths from Cyclone Gabrielle.
"It just doesn’t seem to be getting any better," he said.
"We’re not doing a particularly good job as fathers, sons, brothers and uncles, to set very good role-modelling positions.
"We all need to make better decisions around the water."
He said the leading regions for preventable drownings so far this year were Auckland (8), Waikato (5), Otago (3) and Bay of Plenty (2).
One woman doing her bit to try to make a difference is Karen Skellett, of Matamata, whose son Jack died in a kayaking accident in December 2021.
The talented footballer and former University of Otago student had just bought himself a kayak, and on the morning of December 20, he took it for a paddle at Wellington’s Petone Beach.
The 23-year-old never returned.
His body was found the next day by Coastguard, near Camp Bay, after an extensive search by his friends, family and colleagues.
A Givealittle page was set up following Jack’s death and Mrs Skellett invested $5000 raised into a kayak safety workshop at Days Bay, in Wellington.
"I hope this makes a difference.
"It upsets me a bit because I want to save others, but I wish I could have done something more to save Jack.
"But I know I can’t change that. So this is all about hel-
ping others," she said.
"We thought water safety and kayaking lessons would be the best way to use the money."
Another kayaking safety workshop is scheduled for April 11.
ACC injury prevention programme leader James Whitaker thanked the family for their contribution and initiative.
"Far too many New Zealanders are drowning and getting injured in our waters, and these drownings and injuries are preventable," he said.
He urged people to check the weather, their gear and the water conditions; look after each other; be aware of the dangers and know their limits.
