Real world
OK, here's a story I cringe at telling, but maybe it will prevent something bad from happening to someone else:
Kayaking in a saltwater bay situation, Grey November skies, slight chop in the bay, air temps: mid-50's, water temps: low 50's.
It's a sit-in kayak and yes, I'm wearing waders (Dan Bailey), but I have on a top-quality PFD (not inflatable) and I've been kayaking in salt a couple years (at the time) and have been in some slop so I have certain amount of confidence. Maybe too much.
I paddle out to a rip I know, because I know the fish are going to be there. As usual, I'm trolling a deceiver, because it's a great way to find the fish. Sure enough, I hit the rip and Bam! Rod's bent and drag is going. As I turn behind me to get the rod, the yak turns sideways against the chop and next thing I know, I'm in the water.
I'll finish the rest later, but in a nutshell: I wound up swimming about a hundred yards in my waders. Lost the rod, reel and fish, and was seriously taken down a notch as an outdoorsman. :bawling:
It was very much a "life-threatening" situation. Important lessons:
1) Waders do not immediately fill with water if you've got your belts tight
2) Panic is the enemy when you're in the water
3) Yes you can swim in waders if you have a PFD
4) Don't wear waders in a kayak
5) It pays to be in respectable physical condition in this outdoor game. I swam a good hundred yards in 50 degree water and was in the water a good 20 mins altogether.
6) Don't just tread water and "wait" for help, if you can see land, SWIM!!!