What is the primary purpose of a life jacket?

The primary purpose of a life jacket is to provide flotation and prevent drowning. Life jackets are designed specifically to help individuals remain buoyant in water, which significantly reduces the risk of drowning. Their inherent buoyancy ensures that a person will float, making it possible to conserve energy while waiting for rescue or to stay afloat until help arrives.

While life jackets can sometimes offer minimal thermal protection, that is not their main function. Enhancing swimming speed is not at all a consideration in their design; rather, they may actually impede swimming due to their buoyancy. Signaling for help is also important in emergencies, but life jackets do not serve as primary signaling devices. Instead, they are crucial for maintaining safety on the water, ensuring that everyone has a means to stay above the surface and breathe freely in case of an accident or mishap.