It isn't usually the kite that kills you, it is what is down wind of you , that you get slammed into that does the damage....................so check whats down wind and don't be in a hurry to try sketchy self launchs, get some one to help in tight onshore conditions, and get a hand onto the water ( someone holding the grab handle on the back of your harness) and walking you to the water or though a carpark etc in gusty difficult conditions.
On shore winds are very deceptive cos on the beach it can seem light, then up goes the kite into the true wind and oops here comes the car park etc.
If you are riding powered up watch whats downwind and don't take risks trying to pose to onlookers by riding close to the beach in shallow water in onshore conditions.
If you get overpowered out on the water plan your landing, it may be safer to land the kite onto the water, or put a wingtip on the water and drag in slowly under control.
If a squall is coming don't try and beat it to shore , go out into clear water and park your butt in the water and put the kite up overhead depowered. The worse that will happen is you might get teabagged a couple of mtrs out of the water, which is a much better option than arriving at the beach as the squall hits and getting dragged through the car park or slammed into a building etc.
If you don't put yourself in a dangerous situation then you wont need to use the QR. Alot of folk freeze like a possum in the headlights when shit happens (its called when flight mechanisms become jammed) so ride safe in the first place and be careful in onshores with high buildings ,sand dunes etc close to the beach cos it effects the wind badly causing a big lull on the beach where the kite launchs from, but as the kite goes up to over head the wind can be way stronger.
Take care out there