What is your objective?  How many people do you need to move?  Are there safer alternatives?  Wading with a paddle is slow business.  On the other hand, if you don't have too far to go it is relatively safe and efficient.  Partner and circle ferries do a great job in protecting a victim.  They are also much faster than wading alone.  Line ferries are surprising efficient but require dexterity on the part of the victim as they are not as well protected and have to be an active partner.  For moving a large party short to moderate distances, the wedge is an excellent technique.