What is the primary purpose of wearing a PFD?

Wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) primarily serves the essential purpose of providing buoyancy in water, which helps keep a person afloat. In emergency situations, such as falling overboard or capsizing, PFDs are crucial for preventing drowning by ensuring that the wearer remains buoyant until rescue or until they can safely return to shore.

While there are other important aspects to consider — such as complying with legal requirements or the potential for a PFD to provide warmth in cold water — these are secondary to the primary function of flotation. The design and intended use of PFDs are specifically focused on increasing safety in the water by enabling individuals to stay afloat, thereby significantly enhancing chances of survival in unforeseen circumstances.