Phil..You tell 'em.
When my boyfriend and I go out to the reef in a kayak, we are smart and would not dream of going out without
1. Telling people where we are going and when we will be back.
2. We have life vests available for use.
3. Checking the weather conditions out first and this usually involves speaking with a tour operator/guide/boat captain type prior to heading out.
4. Going alone.

Two years ago, I was with a tour guide that didn't get into the water with us at all, told us to 'swim over that way, don't touch the reef.." etc, while he sat in a boat texting. About a million things could have happened.
Also, we were left on the reef by another operator because my mom couldn't get back into the boat because of her arthritis. They came back to get us and had we had been underexpeienced we would have possibly gotten hurt or not come back at all. We just stayed on our little sand dune and waited it out.

Oh yes, and our first experience diving left my mom and uncle swept out in a current the operator didn't seem to know about and they got picked up by another boat.
Yes, these are some very bad examples of poor professionalism, and we have had some AWESOME tour guides also.
But my point is that you can't legislate and license common sense.

On The Other Hand... One of our guys got a 500 dollar reward for rescuing a kayaker that had been swept out by currents . After dark his kayak was found floating without him. Got a call from a worried hotel manager.
We sent out our boats and found him swimming alone in the dark in the open ocean beyond the reef no fins no life jacket.
Yes On The Other Hand keep on sending them out, the money is good!
_________________________

Send more tourists.
The last ones were delicious.

IMHO you have to be a serious moron, or a serious bad ass that knows what hes doing to go on the other side of the reef. Without a boat & tour guide. In the past year or so I've swam to the reef dozens of times (alone), kayaked (alone), and done both with friends too (all strong swimmers). I do all these things knowing full well the risks and take as many precautions as i care to in order to balance them a bit. If i swim i usually drag a tube or kayak with me to put my fish/water/spears etc in; also I keep them close to not get hit by a boat.

But,
Going on the otherside of the reef scares the hell out of me. And I spear fish barracuda lol. Anytime I go out there I make sure that there is a big ass nice chunk of reef between me and the open ocean. Honestly most of the places I go to spear/snorkel I can almost stand up in.

I think it should be a simple simple rule that resorts tell people. Dont go on the other side of the reef. Ever. And stay away from splits so it doesnt happen easily.

Anyway, glad that dude is ok. Im sure he and most people he knows will be a lot more careful next time.

AC

ps. I dont need anyone telling me how dumb I am for going out there alone. i already know. thanks.

that dude is lucky to have you guys. I know who to tell Anny to call when I dont come back home at dark! haha.