Can a newly hatched gosling go straight into water?

If the gosling was hatched naturally, with it's mother, then Yes...it can go straight to the water. However, if you artificially hatched the egg using an incubator, or similar method...then NO. Artificially hatched goslings (and most aquatic fowl) do not have the protection of their mother's oil on them. They are not "water-proof" and will become wet & chilled, as the water will not bead up & roll off of them. Artificially hatched goslings should not be introduced to water until they are no longer "fuzzy". Once you see actual feathers beginning, their own oil gland (located just above the base of the tail) is functioning & they will instinctively use their beaks to spread the oil to other areas of their bodies. This is why birds & water fowl "preen" so often...to distribute these oils.