Dog's swamp danger instincts

[houladogsnme]

Hey everyone - I've been lurking around here for a bit now - am from California & planning a trip to La in a few weeks with my dogs - I have this question - would appreciate some input - being from California I am not too familiar with swamps & such - even though my dogs are Catahoulas, I have a fear that they're going to go romping in the swamps like they do in lakes & bogs here in California - only we don't have gators & water moccasins like there are down your way- & I have no idea how my dogs' instincts would warn them about that kind of danger. I have some horrible fear that I let them loose near a swamp, & they jump in it like they're used to doing & get pulled down under by some lurking gator - (I'd never forgive myself!)
Are my fears valid or unfounded?