Yes, I'm confused.  Kayak or canoe. Which is it.    I can see grabbing a kayak to chase a floating ball just off shore; not a canoe.  Canoes are heavy, awkward and very hard to paddle with one adult, much less a child. A kayak is comparatively easy to handle and paddle.  If kayak, it is not clear if it was inside or on top kayak.  Sounds like inside style, but they can be flipped pretty easily in rough water. Sounds like a bad decision gone wrong, not murder unless the woman intended to commit suicide and kill the child.