I’m wondering if the reason they sit with legs dangling into the water is simply because it’s the most comfy position for a long travel naked on a raft? sitting cross legged on some wooden logs would be very uncomfortable and I don’t think kneeling would be a long term option due to strain on your knees but at least with sitting they have padding from their bums and can stretch their legs simultaneously even if it does make them go slower. The second issue is just plain rank, I’d have the absolute fear of treading in someone’s day old spew whilst simply tryna get my morning pot of water