What is the function of a life jacket?

The function of a life jacket is to provide flotation to support individuals in the water. Life jackets are specifically designed to keep a person afloat, allowing them to stay above the water's surface, which significantly enhances their chances of survival in an emergency situation, such as a capsized boat or accidental fall into the water. The buoyant materials within the life jacket work by displacing water, thereby providing necessary support to the wearer, which is crucial when encountering rough conditions or when a person is unable to swim.

While other options mention potential uses of safety equipment or gear, they do not address the primary life-saving feature that life jackets provide. A life jacket is not merely a comfort item or a storage device; rather, it is an essential piece of safety equipment aimed at preventing drowning and helping individuals stay afloat until rescue occurs. Signaling in emergencies is typically the role of other devices, such as whistles or distress signals, rather than life jackets themselves.