when our girl was a pup we didn't have to encourage her at all. We did have to hurt her feelings to make her get out though. I love this little guy and he looks like he's going to be a strong and solid lab.
A dog doesnt have to learn to swim. Its literally baked into his DNA - instinct. Take a dog that has never swam and hold him OVER water. He will dog paddle in mid air.
Labradors are natural water dogs. The apprehension he’s displaying is from the vibes he’s picking up from you. It’s so obvious, just look at the caution you display for no reason whatsoever.