On the topic of safe wading most of it has already been covered.
I will say that with neoprenes and a wading belt I've intentialy swam and wound
up with nothing but a wet shirt. That was with felt soles, I wouldn't have done it
with Korkers and I wasn't alone like I normally am. Also, one of the best tips
I could offer is to pay attention to where you'll wind up if you dump. I often
get knocked off rocks 4-5 times a morning by waves, but with a slicker and belt
I'm none the worse. But I never do that where I'd have to fight current.
I also invested in a serrated dive knife that is always on my belt. There is
a lot of lobster pot line and fish line in amongst the rocks. It makes for
some piece of mind.
Tight lines.
Tom Maloney