anyone have something they recommend
Seven years ago my canoe was capsized in the middle of the Lower Hudson River by the tidal rip at about 400 yards from shore, I was wearing a cheap, old KMart life preserver, which promptly rode up around my chin. Sure was sobering looking at all that water from eye level while moving downstream with a rapidly flowing tidal swell. OTOH, relevant to this discussion, fortunately a passing cabin cruiser was close by.
It had what is called a swimming platform or swimming deck on the back end, just above the water level, I think it folded up when not in use. It sure came in handy at that moment in time. Apologies if this ain't helpful.