Hi,

Firstly, there must be braces out there to help you in the water - i wouldn't think taping would help.

Secondly, it is a misconception that motor control training doesn't help in those situations. In fact, what is often the case is that the motor control retraining never gets progressed to that level of function. Your point is valid that you are missing vital ingredients to normal function. Having said that, it is not proprioception via mechanoreceptors that protects but anticipation of the forces. e.g. ankle balance exercises do not protect you because the injury occurs in less time than it takes for the reflex loop to occur.

Lastly, you are missing structures that are required for normal function. One study (Norwegian??) showed that 100% of women with ACL ruptures go on to have OA whether operated or not. Your knee will degrade. By all means do your best to minimise the impact but i think your best bet for your stated intention is to find a de-rotation brace that you can use in the water.

Good luck!