The apostle Paul, who received the Gospel direct from the risen Lord Jesus, said he was not sent to baptize. If water baptism was necessary for salvation, that would not make any sense. Only a present tense baptism guarantees a person's salvation. Those who make this error do so because the word baptize was not translated and understood. Baptism in water is not necessary for salvation, but is beneficial for the believer.
Water baptism provides a good foundation, if understood correctly.
It is only a symbolic act with no power to save you. Certain formulas of words are not vital. It is complete immersion into water. It is best done publicly. It should be done only by someone old enough to understand what they are doing.