Spring and summer don't normally compare. You need to be careful in spring. Numb feet are no fun. Getting a boot full of cold water is one thing but wet footing it is another altogether. Most springs you would not want to do that. Slippery rocks and numb feet don't mix well. Also, in spring, a brightly colored PFD is preferred by search parties but you really want to get out of the water as fast as possible. Can you swim in your hip boots? Could you get them off.

The living is easy in summer, spring can be unforgiving. If your feet are cold and it's 40 degrees, overcast, drizzling and will be for the next few days, it sucks big time. I forgot a knit hat once and used my emergency go-to pair of socks just to keep my ears warm.