Z-Type, I can speak from experience here.... but it's just my opinion and may not agree with everyone else:

if you get into that situation (yes it really does happen, 14 to 35 in my case while I was on an 18M), crash the kite into the water first and then pull the quick release immediately. That way if you can't get to the release, or the release doesnt work, or the it releases but doesnt depower your kite and leaves the bar out of reach, it's already in the water.

I learned that lesson the hard way. I got dragged to shore, between the trees and signs at east beach and across the road narrowly missing a car, to the far side (on my stomach the whole way going about 35mph). I was pulling the quick release the entire time but it failed to release.

If you are in serious trouble, crash it first, search for the quick release later.