Kourtney Kardashian Sparks Controversy for Sharing Photo of 21-Month-Old Son Rocky on a Boat Without a Life Vest

Kourtney Kardashian, reality TV royalty turned wellness entrepreneur, has once again found herself at the center of a storm—this time, not over business deals, beauty launches, or family feuds, but over parenting.

The 45-year-old star ignited an internet firestorm when she shared an Instagram photo of her 21-month-old son, Rocky, casually perched on a luxurious speedboat during a summer family outing. The problem? The toddler was not wearing a life vest.

Within minutes, the comments section exploded. Fans, critics, and concerned parents alike flooded the post with alarm, calling out what many labeled “reckless” and “irresponsible” behavior.

“How could you put your baby in danger like this?” one follower wrote.
“All that money and you can’t buy a life jacket?” another fired back.

🚨 The Safety Risk That Sparked Panic

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, children under the age of 13 are required by law in most states to wear an approved life jacket when aboard any moving vessel. Even in calm waters, experts stress that drowning can happen in seconds.

“Children this young have no survival skills if they fall overboard. A life vest is not optional—it’s essential,” said Dr. Emily Gardner, a pediatric safety specialist. “For someone with Kourtney Kardashian’s platform to disregard this sets a dangerous example.”

The shocking detail that Rocky was not strapped into any safety gear triggered wider outrage: why would a mother with immense resources and access to the best safety measures take such a risk?

👀 Fans Turn On Kourtney

Kourtney, who welcomed Rocky with her husband Travis Barker in November 2022, has built a brand around natural living, conscious parenting, and family values. But this incident has sparked accusations of hypocrisy.

“You preach wellness and safety but ignore basic boating rules?” a fan commented.
Another wrote, “Kourtney is always the one who says she’s the most protective mom… but this proves otherwise.”

Some even accused her of staging the photo for Instagram clout.

“Is the aesthetic of a picture really worth risking your child’s life?” one critic asked.

🔥 Scott Disick Reportedly Furious

Behind the scenes, sources say Scott Disick—the father of Kourtney’s three older children—was livid when he saw the photo.

“Scott immediately called Kourtney and demanded answers,” an insider told Life & Style. “He couldn’t believe she would allow Rocky on a boat without protection. He feels like she’s gotten careless.”

Disick, who has had his own struggles publicly documented, has long been criticized for questionable decisions. But this time, fans seem to agree with him.

“He’s finally the voice of reason,” one commenter joked.

🕴️ Kris Jenner in Crisis Mode

As always, the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch Kris Jenner is said to be in full crisis management mode. A family insider revealed that Kris has urged Kourtney to issue a statement before the backlash grows even more damaging.

“Kris knows the brand is fragile right now,” the source said. “Between Kim’s controversies, Kylie’s business pressures, and Kendall staying out of the spotlight, the last thing they need is a parenting scandal that makes the whole family look irresponsible.”

The Kardashians have survived countless scandals—from cheating rumors to cosmetic surgery backlash—but critics believe this one hits differently because it involves a child’s safety.

📸 Celebrity Parenting Under the Microscope

Kourtney’s misstep has reignited a larger debate: should celebrities share images of their children online, especially when those images reveal questionable parenting choices?

Social media has turned celebrity offspring into public figures before they can even speak, and critics argue that moments like this prove the dangers of overexposure.

“This isn’t just about Rocky not wearing a life vest,” said culture critic Dana Rosen. “It’s about how parents in the spotlight sometimes put aesthetics or relatability above safety. And when millions are watching, every choice becomes magnified.”

⚖️ Legal Questions Arise

The controversy has even sparked speculation about whether Kourtney violated boating safety laws. While it’s unlikely she’ll face formal charges, experts warn that even appearing careless can harm public trust.

“If an everyday parent did this, child services might get involved,” said attorney Michael Green, who specializes in family law. “Kourtney probably won’t face consequences because of her status, but the public outrage is punishment enough.”

🛟 What Experts Say Parents Should Do

The incident has prompted safety experts to remind parents of best practices when boating with children:

Life jackets are non-negotiable. Every child should wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard–approved vest at all times.

Supervision is constant. Adults must keep eyes on children 100% of the time on the water.

Set the example. When adults wear life vests, kids are more likely to comply.

“These aren’t just guidelines—they’re lifesaving rules,” Dr. Gardner emphasized.

💬 Silence from Kourtney

At the time of writing, Kourtney has not addressed the controversy. The Instagram photo remains live, though comments have been limited after the flood of backlash.

Some speculate she may ignore the criticism, as she has in the past, while others believe a statement—or even a carefully edited family post—may come soon.

“She’s stubborn,” a source close to Kourtney said. “She doesn’t like being told she’s wrong. But the pressure is mounting.”

🌊 A Storm That Won’t Pass Easily

For a family that thrives on headlines, not all press is good press—especially when children are involved.

“This could mark a turning point for Kourtney,” said Rosen. “Fans will forgive drama, romance, even business failures. But endangering a child? That lingers.”

The Kardashians are no strangers to scandal, but this one cuts deeper, forcing fans to ask: at what cost does the family maintain its image?

Until Kourtney speaks out, one thing is certain—the photo of Rocky on that boat will remain etched in the public eye as a symbol of how quickly a curated Instagram moment can spiral into a full-blown PR disaster.

Kourtney Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian seemingly breastfeeding son Rocky on a boat.Credit : Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic; Kourtney Kardashian/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW

Kourtney Kardashian Barker is facing backlash for a photo she shared of son Rocky
In the image, the reality star’s 21-month-old can be seen on a boat without a life jacket
“Such dangerous neglect,” one follower wrote in response to Kardashian’s Idaho vacation photos

Kourtney Kardashian Barker is facing backlash.

The Lemme founder, 46, has sparked controversy after she shared an Instagram post on Friday, Aug. 8, which included a photo of 21-month-old son Rocky Thirteen on a boat without a life vest.

Other images included in the post indicated that Kardashian Barker was in Idaho, where it is required that those 14 years of age and younger must wear the safety equipment.

“Rocky should be wearing a life jacket. Such dangerous neglect,” one commentator wrote on Reddit, as another said, “Kids on boats should always be wearing appropriate life vests, and it looks like it’s sitting in the seat right next to them.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

On Instagram, more reacted, including one follower, who said, “Please, please put a life jacket on that sweet babe!” Added another: “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 representative for Kardashian Barker did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

In the image causing controversy, Kardashian Barker can be seen sitting at the back of a boat while holding her youngest child, whom she welcomed in November 2023 with husband Travis Barker.

Related Stories

All About Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s Blended Family

Kourtney Kardashian Shares Photo of Herself Crying After Daughter Penelope Finishes 6th Grade: ‘My Baby Girl’

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

The star is also a mom to three children with ex Scott Disick: sons Mason, 15, and Reign, 10, plus daughter Penelope, 13.

Other images featured in Kardashian Barker’s social media post included a full-length mirror selfie of the reality star in a bodysuit, plus some snapshots of meals enjoyed during the getaway.

Kardashian Barker later shared the same photo of herself and son Rocky on her Instagram Stories.

Over the image, she highlighted World Breastfeeding Week, letting her followers know she’s been on her breastfeeding journey for “21 months and going strong.”

Our new app is here! Free, fun and full of exclusives. Scan to download now!

“I told my baby we would breastfeed when he was in my tummy every day after doctors told me he probably wouldn’t be able to breastfeed,” she wrote.

Added Kardashian Barker: “I prayed about it and I believed it. Blessed and grateful for this beautiful life and experience together with my baby.”