A slump in swimming ability is one of the biggest causes of drowning in Hawke's Bay.
According to Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ), 88 people have died nationally so far this year - with two of these deaths in the Bay.
This is slightly better than the statistics from 2014 with WSNZ figures showing 82 water deaths country wide, five of which occured in the region at this time last year.
Waimarama Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) chairman Kim Nilsson cited the decline in general swimming skills will be a serious problem in the coming years.
"In my opinion one of the biggest causes of drowning in Hawke's Bay surf is a declining swimming ability, plus people swimming out of their depth," he said.
"Add to this the changing diversity of our cultures changing weather patterns, volunteer and paid surf lifeguard services will be kept busy patrolling our beaches now and in the future."
Mr Nilsson said it was debatable as to who was responsible to teach children to swim.
"To counter this and improve our strength in swimming, Waimarama SLSC has created our own pool training seasons with multiple levels of coaching."
Havelock North Trust had donated money from its trust closure and the funds had been dedicated to swim time, he said.
"Presently in our coaching team is ex-Olympian Daniel Bell, Aqua Hawk female swimmer Annika Brennan, Aqua Hawk male swimmer Bertie Bassett-Foss, local Havelock North coaches Pam Lowe, Brendan Hamilton-Gibbs and Barry Coleman."
He said already results are being seen in members because of a skills and fitness gains.
"Our coaches are concentrating on swimming in the surf rather than competitive swimming as our junior ranks will be our lifeguards of the future," he said.
In addition to this, other ways the clubs are addressing this problem was through a new programme.
"Following on from our swimming success Hawke's Bay SLSC clubs Ocean Beach and Waimarama SLSC have started with financial help from Hastings District Council and a New Zealand Surf Life Saving programme the 'Rookie Experience'," he said.