I'd wear a PFD even if I was an olympic swimmer. It doesnt make a lot of sense not to. They arent that uncomfortable and can keep you from drowning even while unconscious. This reminds me of people who choose not to wear a seat belt. I never even notice I'm wearing one and Its the absolute first thing I do when i get in a vehicle. I've been in several car accidents and not once have I had any kind of injury except for a small cut on my head from a sharp piece of safety glass. Without the seat belt on I would have been thrown from the vehicle once and received at least one broken nose. Oh well, people are people...
What are you bringing in the way of water treatment/filtration? How about waterproof sacks for your stuff? Have you established a protocol that the other party members are willing to follow? I think you have the knife situation pretty well under control! Around here the waterways are surrounded by about a hundred feet of rotten wood, thicket, and brambles with plenty of insects. Deet can make your evenings quite a bit more comfortable and long pants and long sleeve shirts will keep you from getting all cut up while looking for dry firewood.
Have fun!
