What does a life jacket primarily provide in boating?

A life jacket is specifically designed to provide additional buoyancy to the wearer in case of accidental immersion in water. Its primary function is to keep an individual afloat and reduce the risk of drowning. When a person falls overboard or is involved in a boating accident, the life jacket ensures that they stay at the surface of the water, allowing them to breathe and signal for help.

While comfort, style, and heat retention can be secondary benefits associated with certain types of life jackets, they are not the primary purpose of the device. The main focus of a life jacket is safety and buoyancy, which is critical in emergency situations on the water.