What is stupid is a 20 hp limit on a lake that size IMO. I realize that their engine failed, but I've been in storms on Pyma before when all I had was a 9.9 to get in. My current boat has a 9.9 and a 90 hp...if this ever happens again on that, or any lake, no restrictive law is going to prevent me from dropping the big boy to get off the lake. I'll pay a fine to save my life. Its not that hard to have wake zones and specified channels for faster moving traffic.
Also, another example why every person who operates a boat, like a car, should pass some sort test and possess a license to operate. Especially when it can potantially put people's lives in danger. These folks didn't even know enough to put their life vests on or even anchor up in this situation. Who knows if the pontoon even had an anchor. Unbelievable IMO.