I can pass on a couple bits of wisdom I picked up wading. First, if you ever do step into deep water while wading, remember to stay calm. Panic kills. If you have waders with the booted feet, those boots will weigh you down some but all you have to do is lay backwards. The waders themselves will not pull you down.

Second, remember you can't swim forward to get out. The waders act like a drift sock and hold you back. Just lay back and swim feet first back to shallow water. I've stepped into two creeks wading at Long Branch, and it's worked for me both times.

Third, like Iwannafish said, always take a stick and don't get too cocky to use it. I haven't gone swimming once since I started using my Moses Staff. It's worth the hassle.