

I cannot speak for all parts of the world, but from the beaches I know, Florida, this is never the advice they give - I’d bet this is dead wrong. A riptide current does not care if you are in the shallow or not. Having a floatation device not only helps you stay afloat, it helps you get noticed. Always bring a floaty.
“It may deflate” - I can’t swim for an hour, but I’d bet any shitty floaty will stay afloat for an hour.
“Why do you want to educate people? Just let them live in ignorance of the theft right under their noses… Thor Odinson.” - that’s what you sound like