What is the main purpose of wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)?

The primary purpose of wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is to ensure safety and prevent drowning. PFDs are designed to help a person stay afloat in the water, which is crucial in emergencies where there may be a risk of falling overboard or capsizing. By providing buoyancy, these devices significantly increase the chances of survival in aquatic environments, allowing individuals to conserve energy while awaiting rescue.

While providing warmth in cold water can be a secondary benefit, the essential function of a PFD is to keep the wearer safe by preventing drowning. Additionally, while state regulations may require wearing PFDs, compliance with laws is not the core reason for their existence; it is rather a legal aspect of their use. Keeping a boat steady is also not a function of PFDs, as they do not influence the stability of the vessel. Therefore, the focus of PFDs is firmly on personal safety in the water.