Yesterday, here in Chicago, a dude “fell” ( circumstances not known to me) into the Chicago River and was rescued by his GIRLFRIEND, He’s currently in an IC unit recovering ( How could I live with THAT?) but, lest I “offend” someone, my point is: When we as fishermen, fly et al, often in the pursuit of fish, place ourselve into what could be deemed as dangerous situations, are we prepared? Be it wading in deeper fast water, float tube, canoe etc. What if we slip on a rock, canoe or float tube overturns etc., are you prepared for the worse case scenario ?. Can you /do you know how TO SWIM.
My own “experiences” (4) were “into” the Snake River just outside Jackson WY while bank fishing the Boulder bank/berm downstream of the Wilson Bridge. Cheap, Geat fishing BUT with consequences ( 2 IPhones and 3 Pentax Cameras). Other than freezing some bodily extremities having to walk back soaked for about 2-3 miles , I obviosly survived. I am a good swimmer having saved hundreds 
of lives as a lifeguard at Chigago’s Montrose Beach a “few” years ago. Even with THAT, I know my limitations.
So my question is …are you prepared for the worse case scenario or do you know your limitations and play safe.?
Mark,
Yes, I AM a pretty strong swimmer, but age does have it’s effect. I have waded with a Folstaff for many years & wouldn’t step in the water without it. I’m 73 now & it’s also a good idea to scout the water first & fish with a partner, ESPECIALLY when wading. Case in point…Years ago, I was wading an un-named stream in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley with dear friend & fellow FAOLer Tim Grubbs. You guessed it, I slipped on a loose gravel dropoff & fell in. I couldn’t get myself out of the strong current when Tim grabbed my collar & pulled me out. That was my closest call and, had it not been for Tim, I may not be responding now.
Good thread, Mark. As Clint Eastwood said, “Every man’s got to know his limitations”.
Mike
I have become a more careful wader as I get older. For years swimming was just an inconvenience, mostly because my gear would all get wet. Even today I’d be more concerned about the water temperature than the need to swim in reasonable water conditions. I have enough circulation problems now that I can’t handle getting cold any more.
I took a swim in Sunlight Basin, WY, a while back and rarely go deeper than my thighs any more (4 knee surgeries also helped to dampen my desire to get out just a bit farther).
I was in a flyshop in West Yellowstone a few years ago getting the word about conditions on the Madison; when I asked how far out the fish were, the girl behind the counter said “if your boots tops are wet, you’re in too deep”. Although she was exaggerating for effect (a little, but not too much) a lot of times it’s pretty good advice, especially in the spring when runoff pushes the water levels up.
Regards,
Scott