If you're going to walk in a swamp, it's important to know how to, otherwise you'll end up tangled in plants and sinking in mud!
Be aware that even though it may be shallow, you're just as likely to drown in a swamp than any other body of water. The mud underneath is very soft, and you could sink many feet under if you're not careful. In addition, bogs can hide very deep water underneath a layer of peat. Using a long stick is a good way to see how deep the water if, but bear in mind that you're much heavier than the stick.
Know what animals lurk around the swamp. Some areas are too dangerous to travel in, alligators and crocodiles being among the many reasons why. Be careful of snakes swimming through swamps, sometimes in large numbers. Swamps also attract insects, so be sure to wear some sort of repellent, and have a head net to keep them out. It's also wise to tie the bottom of you pant legs shut, so leeches don't climb into you clothes.
It's preferable to walk barefoot in a swamp, but only if you're familiar with the depth, plants, and animal life. Be warned that when barefoot it's easier to twist or sprain an ankle or break a toe, and you have to beware of any roots, reeds, or litter that you could step on or trip over.
If you don't know the swamp, find a guide to come with you so you don't get lost. Even if you do know the area, it's always good to have a companion, so that way if anything goes wrong you aren't without a way to contact help.
Walking in a swamp is a lot about the technique you use. You should take you second step before the first one is complete, almost like you're gliding. If you walk like you're on land, you'll take a step, wait until your foot finds a firm bottom, take another step, wait for a firm bottom, and try to take a third step only to find that your foot has gotten sucked into the mud because you put too much weight on it. Eventually you'll be able to get your foot out, but walking in such a manner is exhausting.
Find and make a mental note of the natural landmarks around you. If you're making a two way trip, you can take the routes you know to be safer and avoid the tricky ones.
At one point or another you will find yourself sinking in mud, quicksand or mire. Do not struggle, flail around or panic. Do not try to lift one foot out, as this will put all your weight onto the other foot and made you sink faster. What you need to do is drop to your hands and knees, or even lie down, and act as if you're floating on whatever you're sinking into. Use snake like movements to float your way out of the dangerous area.
When you're out of the swamp, check throughly for leeches or any other hitchhikers that can carry diseases.
One thing that jumped out at me when writing this article is how much the swamp effects how these people dress. Maybe we should consider incorporating the bare feet, head nets, and other things into Wiley.
