In my opinion, this topic is probably the most important that PP has ever covered. In my view, a drift boater's philosophy should parallel that of rescue pilots: "There are old pilots, and bold pilots, but no old - bold pilots." The good pilots know their limits and stay within that personal "envelope."
In order to run a safe drift boat (or any other boat) it is prime to know that the owner/operator is the guy in charge. He's the king. What happens in his boat is his responsibility. He is the Captain.
In my drift boat, I tell folks that they need to wear a PFD when I ask them to. I tell them to look at the boat rod holders, oar locks, seat backs, etc. and think about where they will be in the unlikely event that they go out of the boat when it is upside down. I tell them that, in the unlikely event of capsize, to get out on the upstream side of the boat, and to let their gear go.
I want them to save themselves, not their $300 rod. I have insurance for that.
As an operator, I tie up my anchor (read Silver Hilton) in bumpy class 2+ rapids, and I hold off on the microbrews until after the float.
My thanks to Bob's Board for providing a place to discuss stuff like this. For writer credibility, I have 35+ years experience as a rescue person and boat accident consultant. Be safe out there and put me out of business!