I personally do not use a pfd while wading. Too bulky. I rely on my swimming skills to temper the possible pitfalls.I know, I can hear in the background " it's good swimmers that drown. Bad swimmers either stay away from the water or take proper safety precautions". Unfortunately I have had many opportunities to test my aquatic skills while wading in the past and would not discourage anyone from wearing them however. They're just not for me.

Mark