Take a look at this article. What I found particularly sobering was this line:
It is the number two cause of accidental death in children, age 15 and under (just behind vehicle accidents) – of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In ten percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening (source: CDC).
I doubt that this will save many kiters - we're generally decent swimmers and there are usually other indicators when we get into difficulties. However, as regular beach users (and hopefully competent swimmers) we have a duty to look out for other beachgoers - particularly kids whose parents might not realize that they need help.
