Water Safety New Zealand released the 2022 annual drowning report this week, which shows 94 people drowned in New Zealand last year.
Chief executive Daniel Gerrard said the number of deaths represented the highest annual drowning loss in the past decade, and was 15% higher than the 10-year average.
He said the report made for "sobering reading".
"We need to remember that behind each of these statistics is a person with hopes, dreams and loved ones.
"We reflect with sadness, that 94 preventable drownings occurred in 2022 — the worst in a decade.
"Each year, far too many lives are lost to drowning, leaving families and communities devastated."
Northland (18) had the most drownings in 2022, ahead of Auckland (17), Waikato (11), Canterbury (10) and Bay of Plenty (9).
Otago had four and Southland had two — the same as 2021.
Males made up 85% of all drownings and Māori and Pasifika people were significantly over-represented in the data.
The most prevalent age groups were 35-44 and 65-74 (both 20%).
The majority of drownings in 2022 involved boats, where 29 people (31% of the total) were killed and may have been prevented by improved lifejacket legislation, he said.
A further 21 people (22%) drowned after slipping or falling into the water accidentally, and 19 people (20%) drowned while swimming.
The drownings by environment showed 26% of people drowned offshore, 23% at the beach and 22% in rivers and streams.
ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said the report showed New Zealanders needed to be more mindful of the risks in and around the water.
"Far too many New Zealanders are drowning, and these events are preventable.
"If we take time to assess the risks and make smart choices before we jump in, we can keep on doing the things we love.
"Knowing how to swim is not enough.
"Water Skills for Life teaches other life-long water safety and survival skills.
"They are critical skills that could save your kid’s life."
He urged New Zealanders to check the weather, their gear and the water conditions; look after each other and always supervise children around water; check for rips and currents, snags and rocks and do not consume alcohol before a swim, dive or going fishing; and most importantly, know your limits.
