What you describe is in german a „Seilfähre“ (rope ferry), very common in the old days. Interestingly kayakers use this principle for River crossing too, but instead of the cable they angle the boat and  paddle upstream with the same speed as the current. Also watch ducks, the angle also and paddle upstream crossing in a straight line. Only dog swim directly to the point on the other side while are swept downstream, making a „Hundekurve“ (dog curve).