A video of a 6-month-old boy water skiing has faced mixed reactions on social media after it went viral.
Parents Mindi and Casey Humpherys took their son Rich water skiing on Lake Powell in Utah to make him the unofficial world record holder for the youngest person to water ski.
They captioned the video: “Take one look at this kid and tell me he isn’t having the time of his life! Such a little stud!”
However, many people accused the couple of endangering their child to become popular online.
One internet user commented: “This is what happens when people need attention and bring their newborn into it.”
Another wrote: “I hope endangering your child is worth it for the clout! His poor little joints aren’t even fully developed yet, that’s why he’s not walking yet. If he can’t walk, do you really think this kind of stress is good for his body? Also look up dry drowning. You are terrible parents.”
A third said: “That poor kid’s knees are going to buckle.”
In an interview with Good Morning America, the parents said that they had doctors in the boat and explained that they had obtained a green signal from their child’s pediatrician.
“We had a separate boat out there, (and there were) roughly 10 or 12 people involved in total (including) a couple of doctors and nurse on board the boat,” Casey said, adding that the boat their son was water skiing behind was going only 5mph.
Mindi added: “We talked to his pediatrician and before we water skied, he was super impressed with how far along Rich is. He’s really well developed for his age. [The pediatrician] said it was fine and to not worry about it.”
The proud father said that he and his wife remain excited by their baby’s accomplishment.
“I really feel like the majority of criticism comes from people caring and people just being concerned and wanting the best for our child, so honestly we appreciate that,” he expressed.
“Whether you agree with what we’ve done for Rich and what he’s accomplished or not, you can understand how exciting it is to see your child accomplish something,” Casey added.
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