Working off the water is never a sure thing and most of the float course is about learning to evaluating the water conditions and working to recognize and minimize the inherent risk.
Yes. I'm presently in week seven in hospital because of an intended water landing gone wrong, and we were doing everything "by the book". I take pride in my flying as any other task, and always try to use the most appropriate tool for the job - never pliers on a nut or bolt, always a wrench.....