Health Tip of the Week, sponsored by Baton Rouge General: The best life jacket for kids and when to use it

Anywhere you find water, drowning is a real risk, especially for children. The U.S. Coast Guard has approved certain personal flotation devices (PFDs) for kids to help ensure the safest water experience,  including life vests, jumper life jackets and life jackets. Remember, floaties or “water wings,” which are affordable and accessible, may seem to offer safety, but they are not USCG-approved PFDs and provide a false sense of security in the water. Any other foam or inflatable pool toy is just that—a toy—and shouldn’t be used as a safe flotation device. Regardless of the approved type, make sure the PFD fits properly! Learn more about life jackets.