Spent many days on the water from a teen on the water running pots, duck hunting and working for tow boat later. Never wore a life vest, I was invincible... Working on tow boat almost went overboard on a wet deck. Left work and went right to west marine and bought my own inflatiable. I now have two, one stays with the duck boat one in my truck. Getting older, maybe smarter too! I use my push pole to pick up decoys.
Wish they made a really big inflatable, 5-6X to go over the y camo jacket easy, called Mustang and they don't make one. Remember, the life you save, may be your own... Be safe out there,