When I was a lot younger there were a couple of fellows that were supposed to be "top paddlers" in the coutry that drowned on easy rivers. Looking at stats on easy rivers most of the drownings are people that were drinking with out life jackets. If the canoe flips self rescue is SO much easier with a life jacket. Finally if I'm in the water I would like to hang on to my rod/reel which is difficult if swiming with hands