"As we turned back around in the boat, we got applause from the people fishing the outlet area," he said. "His two friends, who were fishing with him on the southeast side of the outlet, were real happy to see him back on shore."

"The first thing he said to me when I got him in the boat was, 'I lost my fishing rod,'"

Jacobs replied, "You almost lost your life."

Villanueva chipped in, "Your life is more important than a fishing rod."

When they got him back on shore, Villanueva and Jacobs stayed with him for an hour to make sure he was O.K.

After they made sure Jacobs was out of harm's way, Villanueva and Jacobs went back fishing. Jacobs landed an 18 pound chinook. When Villanueva got home, he got a call from Thomas, who booked him to go fishing the next day.

Thomas reflected on his terrifying experience. "If it wasn't for the Grace of God and Rene's help, I would have died," he stated. "The experience has given me a deeper respect for the river and the necessity to be more cautious when wading and fishing."

Thomas emphasized that the biggest mistake that anglers make is that they get so caught up in fishing that they lose sight of water safety. "To forget about safety and think only about the fish you want to catch is stupid," he added. "With the help of God, I will never make a stupid mistake like that again."

If Villanueva had not been carrying a readily accessible type 1 life jacket, Thomas would probably have become one of the many drowning victims of California's waterways.

In high flows like those now found on the Feather River, Villanueva advised bank anglers and waders to wear inflatable life vests. Villanueva is a stickler on having his clients wear these in high flows when wading. For example, when I fished the Sunrise area in March 2000 to take advantage of a hot steelhead bite, he required us both to put on inflatable life vests.

"Kids under 12 are required to wear U.S.C.G Type 1 life jackets at all times when aboard a boat 26 feet long or smaller while the vessel is under way," he added. "But I personally think it would be good for California law to require adults to wear life jackets also."

The California Department of Boating and Waterways issued a boater's safety advisory in June after recording the ninth boating-related fatality since the beginning of Memorial Day weekend, a consequence of high flows on Central Valley rivers. This safety advisory should be heeded not just by boaters, but also by bank fishermen and waders.

"One of the victims died while using a paddlecraft, three while swimming from their vessels, and five in motorboat accidents, three of which were collisions involving personal watercraft," said Raynor Tsuneyoshi, Cal Boating Director.

Collisions are the most common type of accident involving open motorboats, including personal watercraft (PWC). Everyone aboard a PWC and anyone being towed by a vessel must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Most types of life jacket will turn an unconscious wearer face-up in the water until help arrives.

Operator inexperience is one of the leading causes of boating accidents. Cal Boating accident analyst, Amy Rigby, recommends that anyone operating a boat such as a PWC for the first time take the time to become familiar with its operation. Operator inattention is another leading accident cause.

"Crowded waterways and alcohol are two important contributing factors in boating accidents," said Tsuneyoshi. "Half of last year's boating fatalities were alcohol related. When everyone around you is in a weekend or holiday frame of mind, keeping a sharp lookout and maintaining a safe distance from other vessels are absolutely essential."

Parents should keep a watchful eye on children playing in or around the water and are advised to put life jackets on them as an added safety measure. California's rivers and lakes have rocky bottoms and sudden drop-offs, a combination that has led to children drowning in as little as four feet of water.

Boaters and waders are also reminded that the water in most rivers is still cold and running high from spring snowmelt. Dangerous river currents have already resulted in several drownings this year. Rafters, bank fishermen and waders should call ahead to check the flow level with the river operator - and consider taking a commercially guided trip or putting off their trip until conditions improve.

Rigby says that people tend to panic when they are caught in a current. "The thing to do is to float with the current on your back, feet-first, to fend off obstacles, until the current weakens and you can swim to shore," she advised.

"If everyone would remember to keep a proper lookout, wear their life jackets, and watch the alcohol, most accidents could be avoided," said Tsuneyoshi.

The Department of Boating and Waterways recommends that everyone take a boating education course. The Department offers a free home study course that you can take at your leisure. Aquatic Centers, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons offer classes in many cities. For more information, call 1-888-326-2822, or get on the Department's website, www.boatsmarter.com.