A cell phone and road flares (yes, they brought road flares) hardly sounds like planning ahead to me. They are so lucky to have gotten a signal let alone reach the coast guard. I don't see what a cell phone a road flares would do for them a mile out to sea.
It was an off-shore breeze - or rather blow. No chance of getting pushed back to the shore.

I'm glad they are okay, but I truly hope they reconsider going out in conditions like that. It's just plain stupid.

Tracie