What is the primary role of personal flotation devices (PFDs) on a boat?

The primary role of personal flotation devices (PFDs) on a boat is to provide buoyancy for individuals in water. They are designed to keep a person afloat and help prevent drowning in the event of a fall overboard or capsizing. PFDs are essential safety gear that increases survival rates by ensuring that individuals remain on the surface of the water, allowing them to breathe and giving them time to be rescued.

While showing compliance with regulations can be important for boaters, it does not capture the fundamental life-saving function of PFDs. Similarly, keeping a boat warm or serving as a fashion statement are not relevant to the critical protective purpose that these devices serve. Recognition of the vital role of PFDs is key for anyone involved in boating activities, as proper safety measures can make all the difference in emergency situations.