I used to think a lilo would make a poor man's life raft. Now it appears it has passed the test.
One could argue that but one would, I would argue, be wrong.
However, I could be wrong. Perhaps you should be pressing for compulsory life jacket carriage to have an alternate means of compliance: Lilos.
Point taken LB .... I prefer a certified life raft myself. Sadly old mate couldn't afford one so he chose the lilo alternative and surprise surprise, it worked.
The reason we even heard about this clown is that his two stroke quit. We never hear about those whose engines remain functional over Bass Strait, and more than a few ultralights complete this crossing every year, flown by a variety of personalities and no doubt carrying a variety of oddities the pilot may think would be of assistance in an emergency.