I'm sorry to hear of such a tragic experience.

I may be paranoid, but I wear an inflatable whenever I am in a boat, or wading.

An old fishing partner of many years ago, had a wise comment regarding fishing in our chilly waters.

"Always wear your life jacket, that way your wife won't have to wait seven years to collect your life insurance".

And my comment is, if you are wearing it, the above advise might not be the final outcome.

An observation that drives me nuts is seeing an adult without a PFD on while their child is clad in one in a boat or canoe.