In Otago and Southland there were six drowning fatalities last year, and 18 people were taken to hospital following water-related accidents.
So far this year there have been three fatal drownings in Otago and none in Southland.
Between July 1 last year and June 30 this year, ACC recorded 2185 water-related injuries, costing $5.8 million to help people recover.
Nationwide, there there were 90 preventable drownings last year — the highest number in 10 years — and there have been 75 fatal drownings so far this year.
Between July 1 last year and June 30 this year, there were 27,583 claims for water-related injuries, costing $81 million to help people recover.
Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Daniel Gerrard said men were over-represented in the deaths — last year, 76 men and 14 women died.
"To Pakeha males in power boats, Maori men gathering kai underwater, Asian men fishing from rocks, Pasifika men fishing from boats — you guys are consistently over-represented in our drowning tragedies."
ACC injury prevention programme lead James Whitaker said the top five causes of water-related injuries were surfing, swimming at beaches and lakes, fishing, swimming in pools as well as water-skiing.
So ACC has set a challenge for all New Zealanders this summer.
"We are laying down a wero [challenge] to all New Zealanders to ‘Have a Hmmm’.
"Think about the risks relating to the activity you’re about to do.
"Think about the best ways to avoid those risks. Do things safely and you can keep doing what you love."
Surfing New Zealand development manager Lee Ryan recommended people surf within their skill level, use the correct board for their ability and conditions, keep their equipment in good condition, never ditch their board, and get a lesson from Surfing New Zealand if they are a novice.
Mr Gerrard said when it came to swimming in beach areas, most people underestimated the risks and overestimated their ability.
He urged people to be prepared, watch out for themselves and others, be aware of the dangers and know their limits.
Around swimming pools, he also recommended adults keep a close eye on children at all times.
Water Safety New Zealand research shows rock fishing is becoming increasingly popular, but it is also extremely hazardous because people get swept off rocks by large waves.
Recommendations were to always wear a lifejacket, take at least two forms of communication (such as a mobile phone and VHF radio), check the marine weather forecast, learn water survival skills, get to know the area you will be fishing in, tell someone where you are going and when you are due to return, and never fish alone.
Water skiing injuries were also caused by overestimating ability and underestimating risk.
Research showed that not wearing a lifejacket was the leading risk factor, and other risks included not carrying communications, not checking the weather, and drinking alcohol.
