Whether a dragon can swim depends on the kind of dragon you're talking about
1. Mythical/Fantasy Dragons
In mythology and fantasy stories:
Western dragons (like those in Game of Thrones or The Hobbit) are often shown as massive, winged, fire-breathing creatures. Most of them can swim, or at least are described as being strong enough to move through water if needed.
Eastern dragons (like Chinese or Japanese dragons) are more serpent-like and often associated with water. These dragons can definitely swim, and many are said to live in rivers, seas, or lakes and even control rain or floods.
2. Modern Fiction or RPGs
In games like Dungeons & Dragons, some dragons have swim speeds, especially:
Black dragons and green dragons, which live in swamps or lakes
Sea dragons, amphibious dragons, or dragon turtles, which are built for underwater life
3. Real-world Animals Called "Dragons"
There are also real animals with "dragon" in their name:
Komodo dragons: Large lizards that can swim very well
Flying dragons (Draco species): Small gliding lizards that can swim short distances
Summary:
Yes, dragons can swim — especially in Eastern mythology, fantasy settings, and even in real life (Komodo dragons).
The ability varies based on the type of dragon and the story or world they belong to.