We've been talking about a case, I think, where it is clear the kiter needs help and actually wants it. Been offered help many times during self rescue and usually politely refuse the offer of assistance. Then again, I'm usually not in hypothermic water, large swells, offshore wind, with kelp snags all over the place, with a non-sailable kite either. To non-kiters we may look like we need help at times when in fact we're sorting things out on our own and are progressing back to shore at best possible speed. At times, some people who really need help don't realize it, at least not yet. It can come down to a judgment call by the responding kiter. If I see someone kite down for a while and not effectively making for shore, I usually swing by and ask if they need help. Usually they say no, so I just keep an eye on them while riding around to make sure they make it in. You know, staying aware of how they're doing. At other times they request help or may prompt it eventually.
Just got this months Kiteboarder Mag.,
http://kiteboardingmag.com/ , this morning and see an article by Paul Menta titled "Off To The Rescue. " It deals with assessing a potential rescue and steps on how to carry it out by one approach. Good stuff, worth a read. Again, not all kiters are up to this but if they know a kiter needs help and wants it, it is easy enough to pass word along.
Put something together for lifeguards and kiters a while back on rescues. What to look for, ideas about when to monitor and when to launch a rescue. I think it is worth a look as well:
viewtopic.php?f=131&t=2300710&p=576935
You can download a pdf copy with photos at the link at the bottom.