[annalex]

The baptism does not continue to save: a commission of a mortal sin requires a sacramental confession and growth in faith. St. Peter makes areference to the past event, the flood, hence “now”.

Nothing in that passage contradicts the sacramental character of baptism.

[Petronski]

The second clause makes that clear, as Bishop Challoner points out in Haydock's Commentaries:

Not the putting away, &c. As much as to say, that baptism has not its efficacy, in order to salvation, from its washing away any bodily filth or dirt; but from its purging the conscience from sin: when accompanied with suitable dispositions in the party, to answer the interrogations made at that time, with relation to faith, the renouncing of Satan with all his works, and the obedience to God's commands. (Challoner)

[enat]

“St. Peter makes areference to the past event, the flood, hence “now”.”

1 Peter 3:21, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ”

What Peter is saying is the anti-type of the flood, baptism, is now saving us.

“Nothing in that passage contradicts the sacramental character of baptism.”

Nothing except the pesky last half of the verse where he brings up “a good conscience toward God” and faith in the resurrection.