Crossword Genius

Enthusiasts choose to enter river and start to swim (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

devotees

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'enthusiasts' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'choose to enter river and start to swim' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'choose' could be 'vote' (voting is a kind of choosing) and 'vote' is found within the answer.
'river' could be 'dee' (River Dee) and 'dee' is found in the leftover letters.
A single letter 's' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for devotees that I've seen before include "Fans" , "Ardent followers and admirers" , "Disciples or enthusiasts" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app