Realistic Swimming AND Drowning
⚪ Last updated 2021⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 4.4% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #88 of 122 Immersion mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
What's this Mod about?
I find Skyrim's swimming to be 'immersive breaking' in the extreme. While carrying 400+ lbs of gear, you can swim faster than Olympic swimmers....and can swim across a Sea without exhaustion or fear of drowning. So, this mod is for those of us who like things (a lot) more realistic.
What does this Mod Do?
#1. Swimming Speed is reduced by 50% by default....no more jet ski swimming speeds!
#2. Swimming consumes stamina.
#3. Stamina consumption while swimming increases as your inventory weight increases.
#4. As your Stamina decreases, your swimming speed gradually decreases as well....until you are basically treading water. At 0 stamina, you are basically going to be dragged along by the current (if there is a current).
#5. When your Stamina reaches 0, you start to drown (-7 Health per second).
#6. Having Waterbreathing will prevent Drowning!
Stamina Consumption Penalties in relation to Inventory Weight!
-With an Inventory Weight of 0-10lbs, Stamina cost is 0.
-With an Inventory Weight of 10. 1-20, Stamina cost is 1 per second.
-With an Inventory Weight of 20. 1-30, Stamina cost is 2 per second.
-With an Inventory Weight of 30. 1-40, Stamina cost is 3 per second.
-With an Inventory Weight of 40. 1-50, Stamina cost is 4 per second.
-With an Inventory Weight of 50. 1-75, Stamina cost is 6 per second.
-With an Inventory Weight of 75. 1-100, Stamina cost is 9 per second.
-With an Inventory Weight of 100. 1-125, Stamina cost is 12 per second.
-With an Inventory Weight of 125. 1-175, Stamina cost is 15 per second.
-With an Inventory Weight of 175. 1-225, Stamina cost is 18 per second.
-With an Inventory Weight of 225+, Stamina cost is 24 per second.
Swimming Speed Penalties in relation to Current Stamina!
-When Current Stamina is 100+, you gain a 50% Swimming Speed PENALTY
-When Current Stamina is 100-75, you gain a 60% Swimming Speed PENALTY
-When Current Stamina is 75-50, you gain a 70% Swimming Speed PENALTY
-When Current Stamina is 50-25, you gain a 80% Swimming Speed PENALTY
-When Current Stamina is 25-1, you gain a 88% Swimming Speed PENALTY
-When Current Stamina is 0, you gain a 95% Swimming Speed PENALTY
Drowning!
-when your stamina is at 0, you lose 7HP per second!
-IF you have WaterBreathing, you will NOT drown (you will not lose the 7HP per second)!
Installation Instructions:
Simply install and run.
IF you are UPDATING, use your mod manager to remove the old version AND THEN install the latest version.
- Usually best to load this mod LOWER in your load order.
Realistic Swimming AND Drowning overhauls swimming in Skyrim by tying it to inventory weight and stamina. Running out of stamina while swimming causes drowning unless you have Waterbreathing, and swimming speed is reduced by default, with low stamina further slowing you down. A solid immersion mod for players seeking more challenge in water.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved (291 endorsements) with a solid download count (6,679).
- Adds real risk to water traversal—drowning is a genuine threat if you're careless.
- Ties into existing mechanics (weight, stamina) so it feels like a natural extension of the game.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2021, so it may not be compatible with the latest Skyrim versions or popular mods like Survival Mode.
- Could be frustrating for players who don't want to micromanage stamina while swimming.
- Potential conflicts with other mods that alter swimming or stamina mechanics.
For Skyrim players who want more realism and challenge in water traversal, especially survivalists and immersion enthusiasts. Skip if you prefer fast, hassle-free swimming or if you're running a heavily modded setup with conflicting mechanics.
💡 Beginner Tips
- If you're using a mod manager, install this mod and let it overwrite any conflicting swimming mods.
- Test swimming in a safe area first to get a feel for the new stamina drain before venturing into deep water.
- Keep a Waterbreathing potion or spell handy if you're exploring underwater areas.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- Paradoxnrt
- Version
- 2.2
- Downloads
- 6,679
- Endorsements
- 291
- Category
- Immersion
- Created
- 6/18/2019
- Updated
- 10/20/2021
🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Skyrim →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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