A tragedy for sure, I feel so bad for the family. Just awful. Mistakes were made, like many said we've all made them at some point in our lives.
Just saying in general, it isn't irresponsible to paddle in cold water/weather. Life jacket is a must of course. I haven't worn a drysuit but certainly that is the ultimate in safety factor, can swim your way out of trouble. I've paddle boarded and kayaked in April and October (April obviously being far colder water), wearing insulated booties, life jacket, sometimes gloves. I don't bundle up in clothing, wear shorts and maybe a hoodie or medium jacket at most. I would not do this in windy weather, or at night. I don't consider it risky, and tremendously enjoy it.
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