If partitions really weren't safer, Linux/Windows/etc would make dual-booting unworkable; as it is only the bootloaders are occasionally problematic.

Several users have reported an issue where Mac OS X will not startup properly after partitioning the startup drive with Boot Camp and installing Windows XP. For these users, Windows XP boots ...

Mac OS X not booting properly after partitioning Several users are reporting an issue where Mac OS X will not startup properly after partitioning the startup drive with Boot Camp and installing ...

Boot Camp Assistant: The tool from Apple allows you to install Windows and boot your Mac into either macOS or Windows. It’s not an emulator but a dual-boot solution.