Emilie Kiser, a social media influencer, has publicly addressed a recent controversy regarding footage of her 16-month-old son, Teddy, shown aboard a boat without a life jacket. The clip, originally shared by fellow influencer Madi Curtis, sparked significant criticism, leading Kiser to release an apology, acknowledging the oversight and emphasising the importance of water safety.
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In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Kiser, 27, expressed regret for the moment captured during the family’s June trip to Mallorca, Spain. Accompanied by her husband, Brady Kiser, 29, and their children, Teddy and Trigg, the family found themselves in the spotlight after the now-deleted footage resurfaced. Kiser explained that, in an attempt to calm a fussy Teddy, they made the decision to remove his life jacket, a choice she soon recognised as an error.
“I understand this conversation. I think it is important. It holds people accountable,” Kiser stated in her video. “I know that we made a mistake, and all I can say is that I’m sorry.” The post was ultimately intended as a reminder of the critical responsibility parents have in ensuring the safety of their children, especially in environments involving water.
Emilie’s dedication to water safety has come under greater scrutiny since the tragic death of her older son, Trigg, who drowned in May 2025. In light of this devastating loss, she has actively shared her thoughts on water safety and the precautions parents should take. In response to the backlash from the video, Kiser reiterated her commitment to promoting safe practices while also acknowledging her own humanity in making mistakes.
In her recent video, Kiser shared that Teddy has been participating in infant swimming lessons for several months and is currently on his second round of classes. “He’s doing amazing, and I’m so proud of him,” she added, highlighting the importance of equipping children with skills to stay safe in water.
Moreover, Kiser confirmed that her family has a pool fence at their home and indicated that they refrain from using the pool where Trigg tragically drowned. “We have not, we will not, and we do not swim in our swimming pool where our child drowned,” she clarified, aiming to ease concerns regarding the family’s swimming practices.
Acknowledging the criticism that comes with sharing personal experiences online, Kiser expressed a desire to continue discussing water safety in the future, emphasizing her awareness of how many families could benefit from such discussions. However, she also admitted that it is a difficult topic to address due to her personal loss. “It is hard to talk about,” she commented, “not because I don’t want to talk about it but because it is hard.”
Previously, Kiser had touched on the incident in a post on her Instagram Stories, emphasising the importance of constant vigilance around water. “Our child should have been in his life jacket for the entirety of that boat ride,” she shared, reflecting on the fleeting moments that can have devastating consequences.
Moving forward, Emilie Kiser aims to balance her role as a public figure with her responsibilities as a parent. She hopes that by sharing her experiences, including her mistakes, she can foster a broader understanding of water safety. “This is a topic that I will continue to talk about when I feel comfortable,” she affirmed, demonstrating her commitment to informing and protecting other families from the tragedies she has faced.
In a world increasingly dominated by social media, Kiser’s journey highlights the vital role influencers can play in promoting safety awareness. As she navigates her own grief, her efforts may contribute to meaningful conversations around preventing further tragedies in the future.