Trout season is in full swing across Pennsylvania, which means hundreds of thousands of anglers are putting on waders and jumping into the water every day.
Walter Glassmoyer III, 67, of Willow Street, reportedly was wearing waders Monday when he apparently slipped, fell into Pine Creek and drowned while fishing in Lycoming County.
The Lycoming County coroner theorized the waders might have played a role in preventing Glassmoyer from recovering after his fall.
No one saw the accident, and so no one knows exactly what happened.
What we do know is Pine Creek is a wide stream with deep holes in the vicinity of Slate Run, where Glassmoyer drowned, and the water was rising on Monday.
Glassmoyer's tragic death should serve as a warning call to wader-wearing anglers to keep safety in mind when they hit the water.
Here are five tips to keep you safe:
1. Wear a belt around your waist, outside your chest waders. It will prevent water from rushing in, and it will trap air inside, which can help you float.
2. If you fall in, roll onto your back and lift up your feet so you can float. It's easier to float out of trouble on your back than to try to swim on your stomach or walk against a swift current.
3. Wear a personal floatation device (PFD).
4. Carry a wading staff for extra support in current and to probe for hidden deep spots.
5. In rocky waters, wear waders with felt - where legal - or cleats on the bottom for traction.
The Australian government, in conjunction with the Ballarat Flyfishers Club, has produced an excellent video about wader safety that's geared toward anglers.
Check it out here:
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