Emilie Kiser, a 27-year-old influencer, is raising awareness about pool safety as she approaches the first anniversary of her three-year-old son Trigg’s tragic drowning. On April 30, Kiser shared a heartfelt message on TikTok, urging parents to take preventive measures in regard to water safety, coinciding with May’s designation as Water Safety Awareness Month.
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Trigg passed away on May 18, 2022, six days after an incident in which he fell into the family’s backyard pool while his mother was away. At the time, Kiser’s husband, Brady, was caring for their younger son, Teddy, who is now one year old. The approaching anniversary has prompted Kiser to speak out, as she wishes to highlight the importance of water safety and preventive strategies for families.
In her emotional TikTok video, Kiser candidly shared that discussing her son’s death is profoundly difficult, yet she feels compelled to raise awareness on this critical issue. “There is no right or wrong way to talk about” what happened, she articulated, asserting the necessity of communication around such painful topics. She acknowledged the preventable nature of Trigg’s drowning, taking full accountability as a parent responsible for safeguarding her child.

Statistics regarding childhood drownings are alarming; Kiser noted that such incidents are the leading cause of death for children aged three and under. The reality of these figures weighs heavily on her, as she emphasized the need for families to be conscious of the risks associated with water. Her perspective is rooted in a desire to prevent similar tragedies and to foster a safer environment for children.
Kiser passionately called on parents to implement safety measures, stating, “I really hope that if you see this video, you please, please, please install a pool fence.” She also highlighted the significance of having door alarms and ensuring that their batteries are functional, urging vigilance in supervising children around water bodies. “Please make sure that you watch your children around water,” she implored, underlining the necessity of proactive parenting.
Furthermore, Kiser advocated for enrolling children in Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) classes, which she found beneficial for her younger son, Teddy. She expressed admiration for the progress Teddy has made through these lessons, stating, “ISR gives your child a chance to live.” Kiser commended the techniques that her son has rapidly acquired, asserting that such interventions could make a significant difference in a child’s ability to be safe around water.
In addition to pool safety measures, Kiser highlighted the importance of CPR training for parents and caregivers. She stressed that knowing CPR can be crucial in emergencies involving drowning, choking, or other health incidents, which can affect children and adults alike. “CPR is so important, and knowing how to do it can save lives,” she remarked, further underscoring the significance of this vital skill for every parent.
As she navigates her grief during this challenging time, Kiser’s determination to promote water safety is both inspirational and poignant. Her story serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for awareness and education surrounding childhood drownings, as she hopes to prevent similar heartache for other families. Through her advocacy, Kiser aims not only to honour her son’s memory but to equip others with the knowledge that could potentially save lives.
Kiser’s heartfelt plea resonates during Water Safety Awareness Month, highlighting the critical need for vigilance and education in preventing drowning tragedies, which remain heartbreakingly common. Her message encourages a collective responsibility among parents to ensure the safety of their children, fostering a broader dialogue about water safety measures that can make a profound difference.
