Ned TIbbits made a lot of good counterpoints about the above but on the Facebook 2023 JMT Hikers Forum.? I made my reply there, quote: "I agree with the comments made by?, but not only the ones he made above but also the ones he has made in person in his courses which I've taken plus online on other JMT forums. It makes me amend my query as follows. One, the rope I mention does not need to be attached to the swimmer. The rope could be tied to a cloth sack with a rock on it, and the rope could be thrown across the creek where the equipment pulled over arrangement is planned. Where the rope is crossed by throwing does not need to be where one swims or wades across, they could be a good distant apart. As mentioned by Ned in the past, one should consider traversing only at safe points. Sometimes the creek/river is hardly moving further upstream or further downstream. Crossing Bear Creek in the past, sometimes we would walk for a half hour up or downstream to find a safer crossing. If there is no safe crossing space, for sure do not attempt to cross where there is any concern you might drown or get injured by rock under the water. If you are comfortable cross country hiking, for sure take one of the alternative routes. Hopefully the park rangers will come up with a safe alternative where hikers are detoured to go to make it safely across. I brought up this thread because if it is not discussed and counterpointed, by experienced people like Ned, then those who consider something like I discussed might try it without being warned of the dangers (counterpoints). I have not ever done this, I've been fortunate in the 11 JMT hikes I've done to cross safely. I have had to wade up to waist high, but there was virtually no current where I crossed."
Roleigh Martin