What is the primary function of a life jacket?

The primary function of a life jacket is to float a person face up in the water. This is essential for safety, as it helps ensure that the wearer's airway remains above the surface, reducing the risk of drowning. Life jackets are designed with buoyancy elements that provide sufficient flotation to keep an individual’s head and face above water, even if they are unconscious. This critical feature allows individuals to conserve energy and increases their chances of survival in emergency situations.

While providing thermal insulation can be a secondary benefit of certain types of life jackets, the main purpose is centered on buoyancy and safety. A life jacket does not function as a diving buoy nor is it intended to serve as a cushion. Each of these alternatives lacks the primary life-saving function inherent in the design and intended use of a life jacket. The emphasis is on flotation and ensuring a swimmer's safety in potentially life-threatening situations.