Having went in last summer, (River Ant) people say how shallow it is, i was about 3 - 4ft from bank (wild mooring close to Barton) no life jacket on. As I went in I was thinking shallow the water is nice and warm, at about 8ft down my foot hit freezing cold water, it made me gasp in doing so drinking a large quantity of foul river water. I did notice bottom of boat clean on my way up (it was still as clean when she came out in mid winter). I struggled big time to get out in just jeans and tee shirt, to the point of about to jettyson my jeans. But I got a foot hold on some tree roots and heaved myself out exhausted. No ladder would help unless it had at least one rung 18inches or more below the surface, and some strong to pull on to release the suction of the water. I am working on an emergency ladder that will work. Also trying to remember to don life jacket when mooring up etc. I have been on/in and about boats most of my life on and off, my eyes are opened now.
Charlie