What is the main function of a life jacket?

The primary function of a life jacket is to keep a person afloat and reduce the risk of drowning. Life jackets are designed to provide buoyancy and support in the water, ensuring that an individual can stay at the surface, even if they are unconscious or unable to swim. The design of life jackets incorporates materials that provide floatation, allowing the wearer to maintain an airway above water, which is crucial for survival in an emergency situation.

While stabilizing a boat and comfort while boating are relevant to the boating experience, they do not represent the main purpose of life jackets. Similarly, while they do serve as flotation devices in emergencies, the most critical aspect is the immediate safety they provide by keeping an individual afloat to prevent drowning, making option B the most accurate answer.