Don't feel bad, our Lab loves water (baths, the hose, wading in the pond) but won't swim. Well he did once, when he fell in a pool, but even a perfectly delicious stick just out of range won't get him to swim. He'll just wait for it to drift to shore.
We're looking for a canine swim instructor...
Best canine swim instructor is another water-crazy Lab. After watching the other dog have SO much fun leaping into the water, the water-shy dog will usually venture into the shallows. Once they get to racing each other to the bumper or tennis ball, the deal is done.