With the growing number of anglers taking to our rivers and streams, the chance for unfortunate and often preventable accidents goes up significantly. Each year an alarming number of anglers pay the ultimate price for wading in unsafe water or being unprepared. While a little common sense goes a long way, there are some basic rules that an angler can follow to lessen the likelihood of becoming a sad statistic:

• Always wear a snug fitting wading belt (it prevents your waders from filling up in the event of an accidental fall)…
• Never wade deeper than your wading belt (no fish no matter how big is worth risking your life for)…
• Always wear "Polarized" glasses (it allows you to see the stream bottom helping you to avoid tripping on rocks and debris)…
• Wear "Felt" (ideally Studded) soles at all times when wading in areas with slippery rocks (this adds a significant amount of traction)…
• Use a "Wading Staff" when wading in fast or unfamiliar water (this allows you to feel obstacles while providing a level of balance)…
• Always face upstream when wading (you are far less likely to get knocked in when you have your body facing upstream)…
• If you do fall in while wading, face downstream with your feet in front of you and your toes facing up until you can reach safety…
• Lastly, fly rods can be replaced, your life can't! So, if necessary let go of whatever you are carrying to help you get safely to shore…