Do not enter the water if you are at all unsure. If in doubt, stay out! When wading rivers, take precautions and plan for the worst.
Wear a wading belt and a personal flotation device. Use caution when wading into deep water at river mouths, or making river or stream crossings.
Losing your footing when wading can be potentially hazardous and anglers can get into situations where injury or even death is a very real outcome.
All anglers should have a healthy respect for water and before heading out should tell someone where they intend to fish and how long they intend to be.
It is not always necessary to wade in order to fish successfully. If you are unsure about your wading ability, and you lack confidence in the water, don't wade!
Look for suitable pools to fish that can be reached from the riverbank or by using thigh waders to go into the water to knee-depth.
Linking arms with a fellow angler to cross a river will give you added stability, but you should proceed with caution.