Water Safety New Zealand says Maori are one of the groups contributing to the poor statistics.
Figures released by the organisation show 90 people have drowned so far in 2011, more than the total number of drownings in 2011 of 87.
Of those 90, 20 are Maori. Last year 15 Maori drowned.
The drowning death this year include 11 pre-school children, and five of those were Maori.
Water Safety New Zealand says New Zealand's overall drowning record is abysmal.
The organisation's general manager, Matt Claridge, says it is particularly tragic given most of the deaths could have been avoided through supervision of young children and ensuring rangatahi or young people have the opportunity to learn to swim.
