Mate, definitely get one. I was out on a boat with my best mate, his dad and brother in law. Perfect day. No wind. The brother in law decided to cross the reef at Hill 60. A freak wave came out of no where and flip the boat over. We were so lucky at everyone put on a life jacket as we headed out. Though we were near land, i had heavy steel cap shoes on to keep my feet warm at night. It weighted me down and i couldnt take it off as it water logged. A fisherman on the rocks jumped in and help dragged me out cause i was too tired to swim. 10 minutes later and it was pitch black. My best mate initially didnt surface straight away and trust me its the worst feeling in the world. Buy a life jacket.