There are concerning new figures on private pool deaths.

After reforms in the 1980s, the drowning rate in private pools in New Zealand was drastically reduced to around three a year.

There was just one death in 2015 and 2016.

But that jumped to eight drownings last year, and so far this year, another five people have died in private swimming pools.

That's despite law changes to pool fencing and safety last year.

Five of the 13 deaths were children under five.

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Jonty Mills told Mike Hosking it's too early to link them to changes to the law.

"Well, for the toddlers particularly the under fives, without doubt it is the constant adult supervision. You certainly can't take your eyes off them when it takes less than a minute for a child to drown."

LISTEN TO JONTY MILLS TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE