No swim option on garmin forerunner 235 or in garmin connect

Moved thread to Forerunner 230/235 forum.

Record activity using best matching type from mentioned, sync to Web, then open activity's page where you can click on a type (above title) and change it.

Is this the only way to create swim activities? How do I get swim activities on my watch?

The only way to get swimming mode to your watch is to use a 3rd party IQ app. See this thread:

https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/running-multisport/f/forerunner-230-235/133048/swimming-pool-forerunner-235

I'm curious, is the FR235 waterproof enough for swimming? 

Yes, should be good enough:

Water Rating: 5 ATM, Swim

Definition: Withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters

Suitable: splashes, rain or snow, showering, swimming, diving into water, snorkeling

Device Care: Avoid pressing the keys under water.

You should note that even if a device is above a depth it is rated for, it might still suffer water ingression if it is subjected to an activity that creates pressure on it that exceeds that depth rating.

Thank you BunBun!