RedactedNarrative: On Saturday May 24, 2014, at approximately 1530 hours, V1 was headed North from the "Old Coast Guard Station" located on Ft. Pickens at idle speed with two POB's on board, O1 (adult operator) and O2 (4 year old child). V1 was approximately 300 yards from shore in Pensacola Bay when O2's life jacket was removed by O1, due to it having sand in it and being uncomfortable. O1 took the life jacket and rinsed off the sand with bottled water. O1 partially assisted O2 with putting the life jacket back on by placing his left arm through the life jacket and then stating to O2, put the life jacket back on and to have a seat. O1 turned his attention to approaching vessel traffic and made some minor adjustments in direction (N-NE) and speed (7 mph. - 10 mph.). Approximately one minute later O1 turned to check on O2 and realized he was missing. O1 then saw O2's PFD was lying on the deck of the vessel. O1 immediately turned the vessel around and began searching for O2, summoned nearby boaters, and called for assistance.