My point was that whilst not ideal it is obviously legal there ....as for the ditching i am not sure that lifejackets would be of any help just 50 mtres or so out especially with a beach full of people . The danger would be getting out which would be far easier with the doors off . So for my money i would feel safer in that situation with no lifejacket but v close to beach and with the doors off . Trying to land on the beach could well be a lot more risky not only to the pax but also the sunbathers !!
There are many more serious things to condemn him for in my opinion .