I didn't hear if he had on waders or not, but if he didn't he almost certainly was wearing rubber boots, like Muck Boots. Either is very bad when they fill with water. I heard about the country singer while I was out there, too.

I once knew of a duck hunter here at home who was loading his boat on the trailer by walking on the trailer. He was wearing hip boots, slipped off, and was found several miles downstream about two weeks later. Again, swift water and no life jacket.

SRH

May God bless America and those who defend her.