This swimming season has had the highest drowning toll since 2011.

61 people have died so far this year as a result of drowning, a 30 percent increase on last year.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand's Paul Dalton said the figures are a continuation of a bad start.

He said January figures shocked them and they knew they were in for a busy season.

The high number of deaths is being attributed to a large amount of sunshine this year attracting more people to the beach.

Water Safe New Zealand's Matt Claridge said it was inevitable the inviting weather was going to attract more crowds.

"I don't think you need to be an expert to work out that nice weather leads to more New Zealanders wanting to head to the beach or the river to cool off, and then people were in and around the water more."

50 out of the 61 drownings this year were men, which Claridge said suggested Kiwi blokes are often too blase about entering the water.

"Males are overestimating their ability and underestimating their risk. I like to think of that as a real lack of personal responsibility - intent on having a whole lot of fun, but not making sure that they come home safely," he said.

Claridge also said males are more likely to go boating and diving, adding to the figures.

Another 16 water related deaths were due to the result of motor vehicle accidents, homicides or suicides.