What is one of the primary risks of failing to wear a PFD?

One of the primary risks of failing to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) is the increased risk of drowning. PFDs are designed to keep a person afloat in the water, providing essential buoyancy that can prevent them from sinking if they fall overboard or end up in an emergency situation. Without a PFD, an individual who enters the water unexpectedly might struggle to stay afloat, particularly if they are not a strong swimmer, are in rough conditions, or experiencing panic.

In a boating context, emergencies can arise suddenly, such as mechanical failures or capsizing. If a PFD is not worn during these scenarios, the likelihood of drowning significantly increases due to the potential inability to stay above water, along with factors like hypothermia, fatigue, or trauma impacting their ability to swim or save themselves.

While dehydration and capsizing are valid risks associated with boating, they do not directly tie back to the immediate and life-threatening consequences of not wearing a PFD as drowning does. Therefore, highlighting the increased risk of drowning makes it clear why wearing a personal flotation device is critically important for safety on the water.