Most of us can lift a child back in the boat, maybe a lady... But a man, without help, I doubt it. Fer sure wear a life vest in the winter. Doesn't take long for 50* water to zap your strength...IMO

Granted, I'm 63 years old but I'm in pretty good shape for the shape I'm in...lol. But, I wasn't able to lift him over the side at all even with the lady in the boat trying to help.

Good job bush hog. It's a good thing you were near and able to help out. About 5 years ago, I was fishing with a guide (Andy) at River Ridge and fell out of the boat, which was anchored. It took Andy and my friend to haul me back in the boat. It was in February and the water was cold. Fortunately there was enough dry clothes so I could change out of the wet ones. We then caught our limit of white bass.

Great job. Thanks for getting involved and seeing what was going on around you!!

+1. Seen my share of drowning victims in my line of work, but never seen one person drown with a life jacket on. Guys need too get over this macho thing " I can swim". Would hate to have that engraved on your tombstone!

Thank GOD you were at the right place and the right time.

to the forum!

You probably saved the mans life

Pulling up dead weight will surprise you and it is harder than it looks.
As we get older, things we did when young are now difficult.
Luckily some of us can still pull their own weight.
I am 60 and a little over weight ... 6'5" 250#, but can still climb in the boat soaking wet in the winter ... found out last winter when a fish pulled my high dollar rod and reel in the lake and I went in right behind it.
The fish escaped, but I saved my rod and it was getting late, so I didn't mind leaving when I got back in the boat .... my wife freaked because she wasn't expecting it.

I likely could not pull myself back in without going to the motor.

A few years back, a gentleman and his dad (70s-80s?) were fishing at the crappie dock at La Mancha on Leon. It was May, but the dad was wearing coveralls. He was sitting back down in his camping chair, and one leg went over the side - he did a backflip into one of the boat slips. Immediately the son and I ran to help. He righted himself in the water, and we each grabbed an arm and hoisted him in. If I hadn't been there, I'm not sure the son could have pulled his dad in. Their best bet would have been to try and get him over to the rocks, but even that short distance is a long way in cold water when you're wearing boots and coveralls. I'm really glad I was there to help. It only takes a split-second for everything to go upside down.