Twenty people have died from drowning since the start of the year, compared to 32 recorded deaths for the first two months of last year.
January's toll was the lowest in 30 years, though the 11 deaths in February marked an increase of two on the same month in 2009.
Water Safety New Zealand general manager Matt Claridge says it's important children are taught to swim, and that boaties make sure life jackets are worn by everyone on board their boats.
