What is a primary reason for wearing a life jacket while boating?

Wearing a life jacket while boating is primarily important for ensuring that an individual stays afloat in case of an emergency. Life jackets are designed to provide buoyancy and keep a person at the surface of the water, which is critical in situations where someone may accidentally fall overboard or if the boat capsizes. In such emergency scenarios, a life jacket significantly increases the chances of survival by preventing drowning until help arrives or the person can be rescued.

While other factors, such as keeping warm in cold water or visibility, are considerations in a boating environment, they do not address the most critical safety function of a life jacket. Its primary purpose is to maintain buoyancy and enhance safety by reducing the risk of drowning, making it an essential piece of equipment for all boaters.