If you are in fairly good shape, and can swim ... then I'd recommend one of the inflatable "life belts". They aren't considered adequate fro boating, but they will float you long enough to reach shore from a slip in the river. When I am wade fishing, I also have a floating key fob attached to my rod/reel. They are available at any marine store like West Marine or Boats USA. They will float a fishing rod, although they can get drug under in snag thick water.