What is the purpose of a life jacket?

A life jacket is primarily designed to provide buoyancy and keep a person afloat in water. This critical function ensures that individuals who fall overboard or find themselves in distress in aquatic environments can maintain a position at the surface, reducing the risk of drowning. Life jackets are engineered to support the user’s head above water and help conserve their energy, allowing them to wait for rescue in a stable manner.

While life jackets may offer some additional benefits, such as providing some warmth or serving as a signaling device in emergencies, their fundamental purpose is to enhance a person's safety by providing buoyancy. This life-saving feature is essential in various maritime situations, such as boating, sailing, or during emergencies at sea, where maintaining flotation is paramount.