It looks like you did a fine hands-on presentation!
I'll bet that most of those present had never seen a life vest or a raft inflate. A hands-on, up-close, pull-the-cord-yourself learning experience would certainly make a first-time ditching less terrifying to me! Slightly...
About a fixed-gear landing: is it possible for a pilot to drag the tail enough to slow down for a more 'manageable' water landing?
Sue