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

Wearing a life jacket while boating is primarily important for ensuring buoyancy in case of an accident. In the unfortunate event of a capsizing or falling overboard, a life jacket provides essential flotation that helps keep the wearer afloat. This can be critical in preserving life until rescue occurs or the individual can swim to safety. Life jackets are specifically designed to keep the head above water, reducing the risk of drowning and allowing for easier breathing.

While other factors such as keeping warm or avoiding sunburn are relevant in various boating scenarios, they do not address the primary function of a life jacket, which is to enhance safety by providing flotation. Fashion and style are not considerations when it comes to the essential purpose of life jackets in saving lives.