Grant
Grant asked Garon Whited:

I just watched Auqaman not too long ago and it got me thinking. Atlantians in this continuity have an interesting method of swimming. Instead of using body motion, they use their magical ability to manipulate water to propel themselves through water.Since this ability is apparently powerful enough to let them lift any weight in the water, even entire submarines, could Erick get the ability to swim by feeding on them?

Garon Whited Yes and no.
While there is some evidence to suggest he can digest "powers" as well as knowledge, these incidents are generally exceptions rather than the rule. Could he wind up draining the life-force from a whole city of living Atlanteans in much the same way he consumed the ghosts of Zirafel? If so, the massive influx of people who ALL have the same power might have some effect in this regard. Perhaps he would then be able to manipulate water well enough to float--while he's concentrating.
A more likely scenario would be to digest an Atlanean and gain some understanding of how their powers work, even if that understanding gradually fades to a low level, like a dream fading away during the day. The initial burst of comprehension, however, could be enough for him to design a spell for swimming. Not a "lifejacket" spell for floatation, but something to tell the water to try and move him in whatever direction he's trying to go, including up.

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