A personal flotation device (PFD) should be worn whenever an individual is near, on, or in the water. This includes activities such as boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or simply being near the shoreline. The principle is proactive safety: wearing a PFD ensures buoyancy in the event of an unexpected fall into the water.
Adopting this practice offers several advantages. It significantly increases survival chances in unforeseen circumstances, reduces the risk of drowning, and allows for more rapid rescue. Historically, the absence of readily available flotation devices contributed to a higher incidence of water-related fatalities. The development and widespread adoption of PFDs have demonstrably improved water safety outcomes.