Life Jacket 3D model

A personal flotation device (PFD; also referred to as a life jacket, life preserver, life belt, Mae West, life vest, life saver, cork jacket, buoyancy aid or flotation suit) is a flotation device in the form of a vest or suite that is donned and fastened to a user. The primary purpose of a personal flotation device is to prevent the wearer from drowning in a body of water by keeping him or her afloat with there head and mouth above the surface of the liquid; the wearer does not have to swim or tread water in order to stay afloat and can even be unconscious.

Unlike other flotation devices, a PFD is fastened to the user and does not need to be actively held onto; this prevents a wearer who is either in the water or falling into the water from losing their grip on the flotation and subsequently becoming immersed in the water leading to drowning. The fastening of the device also allows it to be comfortable when worn in the water and allows for wearer to swim or propel themselves with all limbs. For these reasons PFD's are the most common and widely used form of flotation device.