Firstly condolences to the family and friends of the person who lost their life, I don't think that anyone goes out boating with the intention of losing their life. Sadly alcohol can confuddle people's perceptions, and at the end of the day tho is a tragic incident for all concerned.
Over 20 years ago we would never go out for a jaunt on our boats, without a lifering, and now as a solo boater I have a gadget thingy that I can throw to people, as well as an automatic lifejacket similar to the ones that the bwb folk wear,to keep me safe if I ever I fell in (which I have many times over the years.
I would have thought that having a lifering is an essential part of a boaters equipment, as mine only cost me just over £50, well worth I for piece of mind.
I don't drink alcohol, but I have done many daft things over the years, which could have ended in tragedy, I did not think at the time how dangerous they were.
Yes! We can all debate about the effectiveness/ cost/implications of having liferings along the network, but please lets not forget that a life has been lost, and a family are heartbroken.