The Waikato had the next highest number at nine, followed by Wellington with eight.
With about 2700km of coastline, Northland was renowned as a water playground, but those going into the water needed to take more responsibility for themselves and others.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand CEO Paul Dalton said the high drowning statistics are alarming and a common factor in beach drownings particularly seemed to be unfamiliarity with the area.
"People need to take responsibility for their own safety in and around the water, especially when lifeguards aren't on patrol. It's important to understand what risks they may be putting themselves, or their children, into and take practical steps to avoid them; in particular asking for and listening to the advice of locals," Mr Dalton said.
Mr Claridge said the high number of drownings in January - 21 nationally and three in Northland, compared to 10 nationally in the same month last year - has impacted on the high half year toll, which has been steadily rising since.
"The year got off to a poor start and it hasn't improved. We're acutely aware that 61 families are mourning the loss of a loved one, in what are mainly preventable drownings. And we're only half way through the year."
Mr Claridge said while winter is not typically the time of year people visit the beach or river to swim, drowning is a year-round issue.
"Everyone needs to think about keeping safe in, on and around the water all of the time. A significant number of drownings occur when the victim had no intention of being in the water, so it's hugely important to up-skill yourself with water safety knowledge and learn swim and survival skills regardless of your intentions."
Six of the drownings in Northland so far this year were in the Far North, three in Whangarei and one in Kaipara, with eight of them males and two females.
Three of the deaths were children aged under 15, five were adults aged 25-64 and two over 65.
Seven of those who have drowned were from Northland with the other three from Auckland. Three of the deaths were offshore, two off beaches, with one each in a home pool, drain, lake, river and harbour.