What is the purpose of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)?

The purpose of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is to provide buoyancy to keep a person afloat in water. PFDs are designed to assist individuals in staying above water, which is critical in emergency situations such as falling overboard or capsizing. When worn correctly, a PFD helps ensure that the wearer can stay afloat, conserving energy and increasing chances of survival until rescue can be obtained.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of a PFD. While a boat may be anchored for stability, this has nothing to do with personal safety in the water. PFDs are not used primarily as signaling devices, although they may have features for visibility, their main function is not to alert others. Lastly, while some people may choose decorative flotation devices for aesthetic purposes, the essential function of a PFD is to provide safety through buoyancy, making option B the only correct choice.