I've been fishing gator infested waters my entire life and have never had a run in where I felt my life was in danger.  Just watch your surroundings and do not put yourself in between them and the water.  Don't bring a dog around either.  Stay away from areas with tall grass and watch out for snakes. If you do run up on a big gator and it starts hissing or becoming territorial just back away slowly and keep your composure.  But 99% of the time they'll keep their distance

Randall....ka-bar ....Ontario