Cast because of swimming ability?

I wondered if they cast Steven Bond (Erik) because he was a great swimmer like Johnny Weissmuller, then taught him to act, as the acting skills needed for his role were minimal at best, the fake foreign accent, etc. - he became a much better actor later on once he had more experience. I was also curious as to who Tarzan's jungle hair stylist was. Personally I have always liked the earlier Thirties and Forties Tarzan films the best.