We went in to do the upper with some freshers yesterday. Water was probably the highest I've seen, with some strong flow. Added some extra challenge to the tight bits when your feet were getting swept away at the same time!
Garlands looked easily passable but I didn't go down and look at the crabwalk so that could have given you trouble. There was a ladder on the pitch (with no lifeline to boot!) so someone did go further in, but I didn't see them.