Tragic.

[riverdog]

I took a fall in rapid water once without a wading belt many years ago in the canyon section of the Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone. As I was flying down stream they started to fill and for a split second a thought this was it. They filled pretty quick but it didn't change anything that I could perceive. Certainly didn't pull me under as I was still just going with the current feet first on my back. Reminded me a bit of tubing down a river after I realized the extra water didn't matter. After a few second ride I was able to swim to the side and pull my self out. You don't notice the extra weight until you stand up in shallower water but at that point the ride is over. I dumped/ wrung out all the water and dried off in the sun before heading out as planned before my swim. That was my first or second year of fly fishing and I lost balance trying to grab the dog when the water got too deep and fast. Dogs have gone on many of a ride downstream without harm since but I haven't made that mistake again. Don't think it would have been much different of an experience if I was wet wading and done the same thing. I guess the difference there would be I wouldn't get in as deep of water that cold, so less likely to fall and go for the ride in the first place. Good memories of that trip- certainly don't consider it a near death experience.
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