Sprinting (tap Ctrl) while entering the water walking (w) will place player in walking mode but they do not sink. Player can continue to walk on water holding the (w) key and even use (space) key to raise their level to give the visual effect of walking on water.
This may be a regression of MC-128297, however the behavior is different than water blocks acting as air.
Linked issues
Comments 3
In fact, it's MC-128257
Same as MC-129401