Over the weekend, the dad of six—13-year-old Blayke and 9-year-old quintuplets Hazel, Riley, Ava, Olivia and Parker—and husband of Danielle Busby shared a video of the family enjoying a day on a boat.
“What summer is all about!” he wrote on Instagram on June 30. “We had some fun out on the water with the family yesterday. Here a few fun clips!”
In the video’s comments section, viewers raised concerns over the children’s safety while on board, with one writing: “Kids should be in life jackets while the boat is moving and really the entire time they are on the boat. Reckless in my opinion.”
“It’s dependent age, but also on the size of the boat,” Busby replied. “The boat is larger than 26′. My kids wear them when they need to have them on. Thanks for your concern, but that was yesterday and we are all safe and sound.”
When another user commented, “It is the law for any child under the age of 13 must be in a life jacket while the boat is in motion,” Busby responded, “Maybe know the boating laws in Texas before coming on my page to tell me how to parent my kids.”
Exclusively Available to SubscribersTry it now for $1Another user added: “Doesn’t the law require kids to be in life jackets when in a boat? Most places do. It can save lives,” to which Busby said: “Not in a boat larger than 26′. We know the law here.”
The reality TV family lives in Texas, and the state’s Parks and Wildlife Department says on its website: “It’s Texas state law on recreational vessels under 26ft. in length when underway (including drifting or not at anchor), all children under 13 years old must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Adults must have a properly fitting life jacket that is easily accessible.”
At the time of publication, Busby’s Instagram video had more than 531,000 views. Newsweek has contacted him for comment via email.
Busby’s recent comments aren’t the first time he’s responded to users on social media. Recently, when he posted an Instagram video and hinted that he had shaved his head, a commenter wrote: “Ok??, you shaved your head?? Do you want a medal??”
Not one to let the remark slide, Busby replied: “All I’ve ever wanted was your acceptance. It’s what i value most on here. Nothing i do is ever good enough for you Kori … always tomorrow i guess.”
OutDaughtered documents the Busbys’ busy lives with their rare set of all-girl quints and older daughter. The show premiered on May 10, 2016, and is in its 10th season. New episodes air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on TLC.
