Ocean swimming

Ocean swimming is a new feature introduced in The Sims 3: Seasons. It is the first time in The Sims series that Sims can swim in oceans and reach from one land to another. The feature is available in Patch 42 for players who do not have Seasons.

Sims can swim in oceans near beaches and coastal areas at any time year-round. They can also swim in any body of water (eg: lake, river) that is not in a lot, whether commercial or residential. They can swim under bridges too. It can be done on any neighborhood, including World Adventures, store and custom neighborhoods.

''Sims will be able to swim on a body of water even if it has unroutable paint laid down beneath the water. There’s a different paint type that’s used around the edges of the world to block the camera from going too far – Sims won’t be able to swim beyond that point (or wherever that paint is laid down).''

When swimming, Sims gain their Athletic skill but lose energy motive, which can cause fatigue. They cannot drown and also skinny dip. Sims can also relax in the ocean on a lounger.

Parts of the ocean can freeze over when the temperature drops low enough in the winter, thus Sims are not able to swim over that part until Winter is over. If lucky enough, Sims can swim on oceans during Winter and get a positive "Polar Bear Club" moodlet.

Pets cannot swim in any bodies of water.