What were the extenuating circumstances that made it much harder than that? Mind you the water would have been cold, but it's only 100 yards or so.
-Danger of life boats... The life boats had motors, and the many life boats would not see you, nor would they have an obligation to see you.
-Any travel companions? They'd probably need you assuming they won't/can't jump. Jumping and saving myself while my family perished would not be an option for me.
-No turning back once you jump, you're on your own.