He obviously missed the Search and Rescue training session on wearing a life jacket. There’s NO excuse to put such young kids in the water without jackets and especially 50 degree water.He obviously didn't wear one in the boat, or have one with him when he went in the water.
A shame he had to pay such a price for a series of poor decisions.
Yes; it looks bad; and no doubt; life-long recriminations perhaps. It may be; he went for a ride; staying close; and was trusting family on shore to watch them; which; in the end; it just what HE was doing; as it was this father that called for help.
Don't know, of course; no do any of us; the entire scenario here; and whatever the case; it is a tragic one. All the more; given that it could probably have been avoided with clearer thinking.