Quote Originally Posted by Ron.C View Post
OP, glad you are ok and thanks for sharing. You are not the first or last waterfowler that has went in. The tidal area I hunt is full of small channels that can be upwards of 10' deep at high tide and are often impossible to see if you are not familiar with the area.

Last summer, I did test and submerged myself in my neoprene waders without my wading belt. I was actually quite boyant. When I added my pfd, I floated no problem. Next I tried to swim. Reality set in fast. There was no way I could swim far as I weighed a ton with my waders full of water. I became fatigued VERY quickly.

I figured swimming would be a problem so I brought my layout boat kayak paddle with me. I was able to move myself much easier laying on my back with the paddle, but still very difficult. And in if I were in anything less than ideal conditions, wouldn't be doing this to long either. And trying to drag myself out of the water into a boat by myself would be slim. So I now make sure I am very closer to shore when paddling out to my spots.

I speant 25 years in the Navy and we did a pile of sea survival/cold water emersion training. Hypothermia is the enemy!!!
Interesting immersion experiment. I hunt the Fraser marsh and never wade without my pfd on and one hand on my punt when picking up decoys or birds (Unless I am certain of the ground). I haven't used a wading belt for ages but will start on reading this. I also have a small stainless dive knife in a plastic screw-on sheath on my the opposite wader strap from my shooting shoulder in the event of a situation such as you describe if I need to get out of my waders. I haven't tested this yet, but know getting my feet out of my boots would not be easy so it is the best idea I have seen (stole it from a friend who has hunted there for ~60 years and had more than his share of mishaps).

Glad the OP is alright.