Yes deer swim, if the river is 12 foot wide a deer if they wish can jump that distance easily. That being said you have an excellent spot to hunt, just use the wind, if the wind is blowing towards the river just take a stand right along the river, if it is blowing from the river then set your stand downwind from the river.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club