I have rescued experienced A-cat sailors who were unexpectedly abandoned by their boats in a smart breeze and big waves: Charlie Johnson said he was "flicked like a bugger off your finger" in a fast pitchpole. Swimming in the middle of Galveston Bay for hours is not my idea of fun- right, Bob?
A-cats probably won't drag the skipper dangerously after crashing if you are tethered, but a capsized A-cat will definitely go away faster than you can swim in wind. They ain't no handles on the top of the sail- Zip- you slide down it- and the cat is gone! I keep my mainsheet wrapped around a hand: cat's lack of weight and momentum is good in this case. Sailing with a buddy to keep your eye on is also a safety item.