Last year 90 people drowned, which the organization says is a national disgrace and a wake-up call.
It amounts to 1.76 deaths per 100,000 people, while the rate in Australia is 1.1.
The report shows that drowning rates are getting worse for Māori and Asian New Zealanders, as well as for men and those over 45.
Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Daniel Gerrard said all New Zealanders have a responsibility to tackle the problem. Drowning is the leading cause of recreational death in New Zealand and the third leading cause of accidental death.
“Any preventable death is devastating to a family/whānau and the community,” Gerrard said.
“The facts speak for themselves, children under the age of five should be within reach and in sight when in or around the water. You are more likely to get into trouble or drown if they swim alone, and you should always wear a life jacket when boating or fishing from shore.
“Our drowning toll is something every New Zealander should see as a national disgrace.”
Gerrard said people died when they overestimate their own ability in the water and underestimate the risk or conditions.
“The data shows that the younger generation is behaving much better, and the 15- to 35-year-olds, who have historically been the most at-risk age group, have fallen by about a third,” he said.
“While unfortunately older men, especially in boats, double down.”
Water Safety New Zealand invests in programs delivered by Māori for Māori as the necessary training has not reached them in the past.
This includes under-five programs on safety and supervision, and diving courses taught on the marae.
More people risk it to whānau. to feed
An increase in the number of people collecting kaimoana in dangerous conditions has contributed to the tragic numbers.
Gerrard said the pressure on the cost of living meant that fishing and diving for food had become a necessity for many.
“We’re seeing more risk taking, so maybe go diving on a day you shouldn’t, but you need to put some food on the table.
“All diving fatalities occurred when weather conditions were not conducive to diving.”
Gerrard said there was an increase in buying scuba gear online, but no increase in diving qualifications.
“It suggests that people are buying cheap scuba gear on TradeMe, doing a bit of YouTube searching for what they should be doing, and trying it, and some of these activities are way too risky.”