It is a running joke that John can't swim. Arthur on the other hand can but buyer beware, he can't swim very far. There were some islands near your camp in chapter 3 and I decided to swim to them. Well worth the trip as I found a bunch of new animals, plants and some treasure but you need to find the shortest route between to make your way around the islands. I learned the hard way as I took a long way back to the mainland. Arthur can't use items even while wading in the water. Apparently horses can swim better but did not try that. Also bought the boat for the camp but was too far to use it when I decided to go on this little adventure. Guess John got the last laugh.

Only 39% of the story as I find myself just hunting and fishing.