are essential safety equipment in an inflatable. And the anchor should be a real anchor, such as a Danforth, on at least 100 feet of line.

When my kids were old enough to be out on their own in the dinghy I told them that if they lose propulsion and can't row the distance, they should use the anchor and call for help -- BEFORE they're in water that's too shallow for a larger boat to take them in tow. Also told them the anchor would slow the drift even in deep water.