Well.... on the one hand... you are correct and I take your point of view... the RC is there to put on the race... the sailors take all responsibility to race or continue racing.... Should a mark boat choose to offer assistance... great! but the responsibility rests with the sailors to be out there and take care of themselves.

Then on the other hand... the experienced PRO's come back and argue for the number of safety boats, etc. and whether they should continue racing in XX knots etc for safety reasons... Competitors expect a certain number of boats on the course... and on and on it goes.

So when you have a competitor drifting out to sea... I think you have to reconsider the situation, practices and standards of the sailors and RC .. ... Should the RC be responsible for counting heads at the marks and keeping a lookout? Should we raise the equipment requirement...(carry a hand held)

I raised the issue because I was wrong and assumed that windsurfers like all other sailors were required to at least carry a PFD.

As I noted... the Brits have actual safety standards that must be met. The US does not.
I know two A cat sailors who were in similar situations as the young lady... One swimming for the beach. The time to consider this stuff is now... well before it hits the fan...

Personally, I think every single handed sailor must carry a hand held on their person when they leave the beach. I think it's irresponsible for a skipper to leave the beach without a handheld on the boat for two man boats. My big boat skipper gives every new to the boat sailor a safety run through ... what's where, fire stuff, procedures and practices...

Issues like the windsurfer drifting out to sea grab your attention and may get somebody to change their practice when they think about the options and responsibilities of all concerned.