Kourtney Kardashian Addresses Backlash Over Son Rocky’s Missing Life Vest on Boat

Kourtney Kardashian is speaking out after facing backlash over a photo of her 21-month-old son, Rocky Thirteen, seen on a boat without a life jacket.

On Friday (Aug. 8), the 46-year-old reality star — who shares Rocky with her husband, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker — posted a series of Instagram snapshots, one of which showed her young son on a boat without a life vest, sparking criticism online.

Other photos in the post suggested the family was vacationing in Idaho, where state law requires children 14 and under to wear a life jacket while on a boat.

“Great photo except for the fact the child has no life jacket on,” one user commented. Another urged, “Please, please put a life jacket on that sweet babe!” A third wrote, “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.”

In response to the criticism, Kardashian addressed the controversy the next day through her Instagram Story.

“Update: bought a life vest that fits!” she wrote over a photo of an infant-sized life jacket. “Good looking out. Honestly didn’t think about some of the dangers. Thank you for making me aware and hopefully this helps make other mommies aware of the dangers of certain types of boating without a life vest.”

The original image showed Kardashian seated at the back of a boat while holding Rocky, whom she welcomed in November 2023 with Barker. The Lemme founder is also mom to three children with ex-partner Scott Disick: sons Mason, 15, and Reign, 10, as well as daughter Penelope, 13.

Other snapshots from Kardashian’s Instagram post included a mirror selfie of herself in a bodysuit, scenic views of the lake, and a variety of meals enjoyed during the trip. “Food for the soul,” she captioned the post.