Influencer Emilie Kiser posted an emotional TikTok about water safety nearly a year after her 3-year-old son, Trigg, died after falling into the family pool. She described the death as "preventable," accepted parental accountability, and cited CDC data that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4. Kiser urged measures such as pool fencing, door alarms, ISR or other swim lessons starting in infancy, and learning CPR. Her video — posted ahead of summer and the May anniversary — drew supportive comments from followers.
Emilie Kiser Posts Emotional TikTok Urging Drowning Prevention Nearly A Year After Son’s Death
Emilie Kiser.(@emiliekiser via TikTok)
Influencer Emilie Kiser posted an emotional TikTok about water safety on Thursday, nearly a year after her 3-year-old son, Trigg, died after falling into a family pool last May. In the video, Kiser called the death "preventable," accepted parental accountability, and urged other families to take concrete safety steps to reduce the risk of drowning.
What Kiser Said
In the more-than-three-minute clip, a tearful Kiser explained that although the incident was an accident, it could have been prevented. "Like I said, our son's death was very preventable, it was an accident but it was a preventable accident," she said. "I will always take full accountability for that because as a parent it is your job to protect your child."
Background
According to police, Trigg died last May after falling into the pool at his family's home. His father, Brady Kiser, has said he was momentarily distracted when the incident occurred and that Emilie was not at the home at the time. In July, authorities announced Brady Kiser would not face criminal charges related to his son's death.
Safety Message and Recommendations
Kiser emphasized that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She noted that drowning can occur anywhere there is access to water and is often silent and fast.
Her practical safety recommendations included:
- Installing four-sided pool fencing and self-closing, self-latching gates.
- Using door alarms and ensuring they have working batteries.
- Enrolling children in swim lessons — Kiser specifically mentioned ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) and said she registered her younger son for ISR lessons at 6 months old.
- Learning CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) so caregivers can respond in an emergency.
Timing And Motivation
Kiser said she posted the video ahead of the summer season and the anniversary of Trigg's death in May, which coincides with Water Safety Month. She explained that, despite the personal pain of speaking publicly, she wanted to use her experience to help other families avoid a similar tragedy.
Public Reaction
The video drew many supportive comments from followers who praised Kiser's courage and said the message changed how they think about water safety. One commenter wrote, "You will save lives. My heart is with you." Another said the loss had prompted their family to treat pool safety with far greater urgency.
Note: For authoritative guidance and statistics on drowning prevention, see resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health agencies.
Help us improve.
