Great and enlightening story. So many factors that I've never really thought of. Like, if he was wearing his pfd instead of holding it, he could of better managed the flares. Or, he would have went for the radio before going overboard.
For the most part on my little local lakes I don't wear my pfd. But just the other day I'd taken my 2 year old out in my little 13 ft tinny for an hour. Before we got into the boat I put her life jacket on then I put mine on. The thought that I had was if something happened, I could better take care of her while floating. Why don't I think of that while with my 15 year old or my brothers?
I've got a new habit when I get in the boat now.
Thank you for sharing the eye opener!