Kids that grow up on the water and have some boating experience would not be in much danger if they stay in protected waters, know how to read the weather and have a FM radio for emergencies.
I have been in the waters off of Palm beach, Fl., and they are not what I would call “Protected”. The waves were about 4-6 feet, and not what I would call safe for a 19 foot Center-Console boat piloted by a 14 year-old.
Further, once you get out several miles, you have to deal with the Gulf Stream. That’s probably what happened to those kids.