What is the purpose of a life jacket?

The purpose of a life jacket is primarily to keep a person safe while on the water. Life jackets are designed to provide buoyancy, helping individuals stay afloat in the event of an accident, such as falling overboard or capsizing. By ensuring that a person remains on the surface of the water, life jackets significantly reduce the risk of drowning, particularly if the individual is unconscious or unable to swim.

While life jackets can provide some warmth in cold water conditions or aid in swimming to some extent, those are secondary benefits compared to their main function of increasing safety and buoyancy. They are a crucial safety equipment for anyone participating in boating or water-related activities, emphasizing their role in protecting lives.