Usually people will carry extra footwear for crossing,like an old pair of boots or tennis shoes. Many use surf shoes that are designed for water wear purposes. Do not try to cross barefoot because of sharpe unvisible items that may be lurking underneath. It is best to cross in boots with no socks. Always be sure to unhook your pack while crossing because if you were to fall and not be able to get out of your pack, the weight of that pack will carry you under.
Some people belive that the safest way to cross a stream that is deep or swift is to use ropes .
This is a dangerous practice,period. If someone should happen to stumble and go under there is no way to pull the victim to safety as they are being pulled upstream. If the victim is lucky the current will push them upward but that is not something you can depend on. More likely the rope will snag on a rock and then there is only one direction to go and that is down and of course under. Some will also argue that to have to spotters on each side of the rope is better,but again I caution not to do this.