Kourtney Kardashian Under Fire: Shocking Boat Photo of Baby Rocky Without Life Jacket Sparks Outrage! Kourtney Kardashian Barker is facing intense criticism after sharing a family photo on social media that shows her 21-month-old son, Rocky Thirteen, without a life jacket while on a moving boat.
The reality star, known for her role in the Kardashian family and her wellness brand Lemme, posted a series of vacation images on Instagram on Friday, August 9, 2025, captioning them “food for the soul.” While the post aimed to capture joyful summer moments, it quickly drew backlash from concerned followers worried about child safety on the water.
A Vacation Snap Turns Controversial
The first image in the carousel has become the focal point of the controversy. It depicts Kourtney holding Rocky on her lap, with his back to the camera, as they sit on a boat cruising through open water. The toddler, whom she shares with husband Travis Barker, appears relaxed, but the absence of a life jacket has alarmed many viewers. As a mother of four, Kourtney has often shared glimpses of her family life, but this particular photo has ignited debates about responsible parenting in potentially dangerous settings.
Comments flooded the post, with users urging Kourtney to prioritize safety. One follower pleaded, “Please, please put a life jacket on that sweet babe!” Another compared it to basic road safety, writing, “You gotta make sure the kids are wearing life vests at all times! Just like you wouldn’t drive them around without a seatbelt/car seat. Water is so unpredictable and can be devastatingly dangerous.” A third questioned the legality, asking, “What no life vests? Isn’t that against the law….???”
The photo series suggests Kourtney might have been in Idaho during the trip. According to boating regulations, children under 14 on boats longer than 19 feet must wear a life jacket while the vessel is underway, with a fine of $84 for violations. This detail has amplified the criticism, as fans point out the potential risks involved in not following such rules.
Online Discussions Heat Up
The backlash extended beyond Instagram to online forums, where users dissected the image in detail. One commenter noted, “As cute as that first pic is, it drives me nuts. Kids on boats should always be wearing appropriate life vests and it looks like it’s sitting in the seat right next to them.” The discussion highlighted broader concerns about celebrity influence on parenting norms, with many emphasizing that water safety should never be overlooked.
Some supporters tried to defend Kourtney, suggesting the life jacket was removed temporarily because she was breastfeeding Rocky. However, critics pushed back, arguing that safety should come first. One response stated, “At [age] 2 it’s like a snack. She could have delayed him or just had him wear the life vest while he breastfed. By that age half the time they do it upside down or in weird a– positions anyway. There’s no excuse to not do basic water safety.”
Kourtney’s Positive Message on Motherhood
Amid the uproar, Kourtney addressed the photo in a different light by resharing it on her Instagram Stories on August 8, 2025. She highlighted World Breastfeeding Week, noting that she has been breastfeeding Rocky for “21 months and going strong.” In her post, she expressed gratitude for the experience, writing about how she promised her son while pregnant that she would breastfeed him, even after doctors suggested it might not be possible.
“Blessed and grateful for this beautiful life and experience together with my baby,” she added, concluding that she planned to share interesting breastfeeding facts throughout the week. This heartfelt message shifted focus to the joys of motherhood, contrasting with the safety concerns raised by the photo.
The incident underscores the scrutiny celebrities face when sharing personal moments online. While Kourtney’s post celebrated family bonding, it has prompted important conversations about child safety and the responsibilities of public figures. As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of water activities and the simple steps that can prevent accidents.
