Originally posted by knighttemplar1960:

Ever tried to swim in armor, carrying weapons, a shield, and a full back pack? It doesn't take long to get exhausted and drown. Considering that the game day is 30 minutes long (21 minute day and 8 minute night) swimming for 60 seconds is the equivalent of swimming for over 45 minutes IRL.

That would make sense if it didn't work exactly the same way with nothing on as it does in full metal armor and carrying half a mountain in your inventory. The time aspect doesn't make sense either, considering that it doesn't apply to sprinting, or pretty much every other aspect of the game. If I can sprint up the side of a mountain without stopping, I can certainly swim across a stream without drowning. I can also rest by treading water.