[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

He could swim, but he didn't think it through. Wearing boots is the worst thing to do in a situation like that because they are hard to take off and they prevent you from slipping off your pants as well. When you are unexpectedly in the water, footwear then heavy pants (he was likely wearing jeans) are the first things to get rid of as you can then maneuver much easier.

[Joe 6-pack]

"Wearing boots is the worst thing to do in a situation like that because they are hard to take off and they prevent you from slipping off your pants as well."

Virtually every kayaker (and many boaters) I know wear aquasocks for that very reason (as well as general comfort).