I have a friend in California who lost their first born son at three from drowning in the backyard pool. They have two beautiful girls now and have included a silhouette of him in family pictures. God bless you and families who have lost. Thank you for sharing.

Honestly when I saw this video pop up my heart sank, all I could think seeing Maverick in the water was "oh my gosh this must have been so difficult for Amber" you're so strong Amber, just remember momma Riv is watching over him! 🦋

I think it's fantastic what you are doing for your child and the footage at the end of Riv saying " I love you mamma " absolutely broke me ! I'm 49 year old man and I cried like a baby.

Mav is doing so good!!! Bless you...and I feel River is watching over all of you.

You guys are the strongest people I know….so much love for your family.

Every family should do what you are doing for Maverick. God's speed Smith family.

That was so amazing Amber. I was the daughter of a first responder, later the wife of a first responder. I learned infant CPR before I was 10 years old. I had water safety drilled into me by my dad. At a water skiing trip with several firefighter families, my son almost drowned at the lake in a blink of an eye. God was with us on that day. I enrolled both children into a swimming class a few weeks later at 2 & 4 years old. When our youngest child was born I could see how drawn she was to water, the tub or even buckets & just after her first birthday I handed her over to an ISR instructor. It made me so nervous but living in central Ca where almost every house has a pool, many not properly secured, I knew she had to be water safe. I’m so proud of you Amber. Keep spreading the word!!!

Oh Amber I was in tears with you. What a gift to give a child.

Amber I know this was something that had to be done, but my heart was with you and the emotional effects that you was going to be watching and knowing your mind would go back to that day, I sent lots of prayers every time mav had his lessons

I have been watching The Smiths for years and it is still hard for me to watch. We as the Yee Yee family also feel the lost of River. The strength you have for teaching Maverick is awe inspiring! I have meet Granger at a VIP meet and greet and he is the most down to earth person I have met in my 48 years on this earth. If I would have gone through what they have I do not know I could be as strong as they are. God Bless yall and thank you for sharing.

I have found where my Granddaughter will be getting her ISR training in my area, Were in rolling as soon as possible. I live on a huge lake, we cannot take any chances. Thank You ❗Amber Smith and ISR....and Thank You❗for sharing your stories.

Thank you so much for sharing your story to help and save other children. I pray that every Mother and Father see/hears this. Y’all are amazing. God Bless you

Thank you so much for doing this. You are saving lives. Thank you for showing the tough parts, like in the first lesson when he's crying so much. To some, I know that has to look cruel, and I thank you for following it up with reassuring everyone that he's okay and you're okay. That matters. A good parent does what is right and is best for their children, even if they don't really like it at the time. This is for the marathon, not the sprint. JoAnn is the perfect person for this. Her calming and reassuring presence have to make this easier for the participants. "If you can't swim, water's not fun." Wow, what a profound statement. I never thought of it that way. Since River, you and Granger have been the targets of an unfair amount of criticism, and I can only assume that doing this has brought on more, but you haven't let any of that stop you from doing what you know you need to do, for Maverick and for so many more. You do the tough stuff, and that's why we appreciate you SO much! #ISR #SavingLives #LiveLikeRiv #LiveLikeLevi

I’m so thankful that you had Nicole with you to go through this. This was a tearful reminder that you are doing everything that you can to prevent an accident from happening. You’re an incredible beautiful strong woman determined to get this information out to others. I know that God was holding onto you going through this. It was so interesting getting to watch Maverick get to take his lessons. Of course he is going to cry, it’s something very new and I like that you said a crying baby is an alive baby in this situation. One day we will see him swimming like a little fish. Thank you Amber you are such a blessing to all of us. ❤️

Wow! Just wow. Your doing so much to bring awareness.... I've learned so much from you. Your just told keep an eye on your kids don't let them near water. I know now that's not enough. Unfortunately for you to do this you had to go through an awful tragedy. River will forever be in our hearts! Your a strong, brave mamma 🥰

The epitome of turning tragedy into triumph.

I was privileged to get to go to ISR lessons with the little boy I nannied. It was amazing to watch and see a little 9 month old survive in the water. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Amber, you are so strong! I bawled through this video. As a mom who thankfully didn’t have to experience what you have, I know it still would’ve been so emotional to watch my babies initially learn these techniques. My babies didn’t have these lessons and fortunately for us, we made it through anyway. I have always been a natural swimmer, so I remember teaching them to float by myself before they ever learned to swim. I knew instinctively that it was a first step to water safety. Thank goodness I knew that much. Thank you for sharing your experience, pain, and your experience with ISR for Mav. What a gift for all of us!

Before The Smiths I had never thought about ISR this should be a part of every young child's life to learn these skills. I know it was hard but thank you for sharing this.

Thank you for sharing River’s story and helping other’s to not have to have that tragic experience. May God Bless you

When I seen the notification I thought this was a pleasant surprise for a Saturday till I seen the title. Had to share this video on Facebook because this video needs to get out to more people than just the Smith fans so not another parent has to go through what you, Granger went through. I was a little sad seeing clips of little River and at the same time I was so amazed at what Maverick could do and how fast that little guy picked this up. No matter how many Birthday and Christmas gifts Maverick gets in the future this is hands down the best Gift you and Granger will ever give this little guy.

Amber you loss has in turn empowered so many. Prayers for you and your family.

Beautiful job of sharing ISR learning skills with all of us. I am 80 and so amazed with Mavi's skills of learning. Thank you Amber and Granger for this valuable teaching moment. Praying for the Comforting Spirit you are teaching through life's roughest moments. God bless.

Commenting to express condolences on River, and applaud your desire to help save children. Some have been negative about all this and are aiming it at you guys, but I’m here to share with you that ISR WORKS. I am living proof. At 10 months I managed to get myself out of a stroller and crawled into a marina with water 18 feet deep. They say I HAD to be in the water for at least 10-15 minutes. I’m alive today because my parents made sure I had lessons before bringing me on a boat. Godspeed River, and bless you Smiths!

Oh my heart! My heart jumped into my throat when I first saw Maverick go in the water the very first time. I’m so glad you’ve made this video, I’ll be sharing it with my daughter who has a 2 year old. I never heard of ISR when my kids were young, but thankfully they learned to swim early with my husband who knew how to teach them to swim. ♥️♥️

Sooooooo important. Thanks for your bravery. These babies KNOW they can do it. Yes, hard to watch and stand back, but so, so, so, so worth it. I’ve met so many people in my life paralyzed by fear of water. This does not need to be! God bless and keep you.

My mother taught me to swim before I was 1 year old. I am glad to see this video. your loss still makes me cry, Amber!

This is so hard to watch. As a firefighter and EMT for 10 years it breaks my heart to watch and your family is so strong! Love watching your channel.

my one year old did these lessons and it was amazing! now he is 2.5 and been though 3 sessions of swimming lessons and he is swimming! it is amazing. yesterday he jumped into the deep end and swam to his uncle waiting for him. it is amazing! it worth every penny. Thankyou for these videos ! people need to know about these lessons!

That’s is a beautiful video. So many emotions were felt. I can tell you, that just watching out for your child is never enough. I’ve ran drownings where there were dozens of people at the pool, kids adults, and a child still dies. May heart breaks for every loss. God bless you Amber for spreading the word about ISR.

What an awesome program to help babies learn this skill! Thank you for sharing this emotional journey with others. God Bless you and all the families that have gone through this. What a precious angel you have in Heaven now watching over you...

Just had a repairman here at the house and after him talking about his 6mth old going to swim lessons later this evening I brought this up. I talked about ISR and how I'd send him a link to this video to teach the survival lessons needed. We had a whole safety talk about children and water and what any parent should do to help prevent drownings. Thanks again for bringing awareness to this important subject

Such a emotional episode. Your strength is amazing and I know it didn’t happen over night and without the Lord help. I pray this video helps others. No one ever thinks it will happen to them. But it does 💙❤️ big hugs to you Amber & Granger

so many tears I have been crying today, seeing videos about the TX school shooting and now seeing this, Lord please with all of us and our children

Joanne is an amazing, calm instructor! I'm sending this to my son and their wives to watch. It is very hard to watch, but should be a requirement. I have two granddaughters: Laney Jo-2 years and MiaBella Grace-3 months. Thank you so much for making this video with all of the very important information!!! 💜 Making blessings out of sorrow.

Oh wow that really hit me when she said we need to change our attitudes about water. I need to get all 3 of my children swim lessons. My son fell in the pool at my mother in laws house and now he’s terrified of the water. This was an eye opener. I love you amber! You are so beautiful and your family is absolutely precious ♥️

God bless you and your family. This took so much strength for you to do, much less film and post. Your heart, strength and faith are incredible Amber.

Thanks so much for sharing. Much love and blessings

You're an amazing person Amber and even more amazing mom!

So empowering! I got chills watching his little brain work under the water as he found that air. I wasn't worried while watching- I was completely impressed! I'll send to everyone I know with babies ❤

Tears flowed as I watched this viedo for so many reasons. God bless you Ladies for getting ISR out there!!

You Go Maverick A precious gift from your parents 💖

This video was needed, the more people are aware the more lives can be saved!!❤️❤️ So so sorry y’all had to endure such a tragic experience 😢but with the platform y’all have his light can shine bright onto others🦋🦋

My daughter had her first ISR class today and I left in awwww at how fast she picked up on it. I'm looking forward to the days ahead and the growth she will continue to learn with ISR. If you're thinking twice about doing it, DON'T it's worth every cent.

I know it cost you something, Amber, to walk through this pain again. Thank you for sacrificing your comfort and peace to give someone else the gift of life.❤️

Such a wonderful impactful video. Thank you for sharing. ❤

Thank you Amber

Amber you are so courageous this needs to.be seen.by the whole world ..thanku ..Maverick is a little cutie thanku so much for sharing much love and God bless always x

Amber I've personally never experienced anything close to what Y'all have been through. When I seen this title come up it took all I had in me as a parent and grandparent to watch this one. I cried from beginning to the very end of the video with compassion and Love for Y'all.

I'm so proud of you Amber as I can only imagine how difficult it was on you, but you powered through it 💗 And I'm so proud of Maverick too, he did so good!!!!!

My heart has been broken since hearing the news when it happened to River. It still rips my heart out. You're amazing Amber, and Maverick has been such a blessing. Thanks for all you do to protect other children. What you are doing WILL save lives in the future. God Bless!

11:10 Wow, huge paradigm shift. ISR is a must! Thank you for saving Iives by sharing this with everyone. Proof: 17:54 A Mama's Plea 19:30 Ah, the last 30 seconds! ❤️ River's sweet laugh and then...his 'I love you Mama'. 🦖 🎈 LivikeRiv & Levi. We love you and we miss you.

I am very inspired by this video!I was talking to a young mother today and she said that they put up a small pool in their back yard,I told her about ISR!She found it interesting,bless you all for trying to protect your children!

Y’all just made a grown man cry… this episode was soooo beautiful and sad at the same time, I hope y’all know what I mean. Super job to maverick, he is a trooper, and amber, you are a rock.. love you guys and YEE YEE !!

My 4 year old granddaughter slipped off the step into a pool two weeks ago. There was no splash. My daughter and I were the only two there. Mom allowed her to sit on the pool steps in the water. I was not okay with that but can't interject. We we were quietly watching her. I saw her head go under and her eyes popped above water and she said, "Mommy....(gurgling)..." My daughter is 31 and is lifeguard and CPR certified. She grabbed her hand as she bobbed up. My daughter had scheduled her lessens two weeks before this. My husband is a FF/medic/RN and watching her almost drown will never leave my mind and heart. Parents, please do this. I have begged my daughter for three years to teach her daughter. I am so proud of Amber for sharing this.

I pray all moms will get help for their children as soon as you can. Very important!🙏❤️👍

Thank you Amber for sharing your progress and bringing us along on your journey. I hope this helps all those mama’s and dad’s out there. ❤️🎈🙏🦋⚡️🌈🚜✝️🦖

This is so incredibly important, and it isn’t just from a pool, my Older Sister was 3 and drown in a freak accident from a hole that had been filling with rain, she was taller than the water, it was 1969, by the time she was found in the hole it was just minutes, no 911, no CPR to even know if she could have been saved, but it happened and if she knew how to swim, or find the air maybe she would have just stood up and been fine. I didn’t have ISR (or even knew about it) when my kids were born, but as soon as I could afford it, at 6-8 years old, I took them for lessons at the YMCA, the instructor was mean, and later was forced to quit because she allowed way too much water to be swallowed and kids ended up sick from her practice, (my daughter included) but I didn’t give up, I ended up finding another person to give my kids lessons who was fantastic with my kids and my daughter learned to not be scared, and how to move to find the air, and get to safety. My Son became a great swimmer, my daughter can save herself and likes to swim, she just has absolutely no buoyancy, her instructor the second time said she had to work much differently with my daughter and she did…It was important for my daughter to have skills to save herself in a water situation, If you do get lessons and have a bad experience, do NOT give up, find a person who will teach your kids to swim…it is never too late..

Sending you, Granger & the entire Smith family so much love & continued prayers today 🙏 Through your difficult journey and continued perseverance and advocacy you have already helped arm parents everywhere with the information of ISR & no doubt prevented so many accidental drownings by the Grace of God. This video will help reach so many more! Riv is smiling down on you and the family. River's life mattered and so did his passing. His legacy will live on forever. 🎈 Sending you all my love. #LiveLikeRiv

Because of your tragedy … because you shared your story… because of you Smith Family … my 3 grandsons ages 3 & 1 are in ISR now. My son and daughter-in-law took your advice and enrolled all 3 into ISR. Going into week 4 of lessons. Because of you…. Empowering parents .

Thank you, Amber for getting this out here! You are so strong! IRS is so important, saves so many babies lives! God bless you and your family! 🥰🥲☺️❤️

I was okay til the end until Amber spoke and then videos of Riv came up and I just cried. I know I’ll always be this way. I miss your River. You’ve inspired us to do better and live better. Rivs legacy will live on. We support RKF and always remember to LiveLikeRiv. Thank you again Amber from the bottom of our hearts. Sincerely the Bailey’s

My heart shatters watching the videos of Riv💔. I cannot begin to imagine the amount of strength and courage it took you to do this video Amber. As a mother I understand your reasoning but I honestly don’t think I could have endured watching this process the way you did. We can do anything with God and this is proof 🙌🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻!! I appreciate you sharing your personal tragedy and now sharing this ISR training to help save children from an accidental drowning . I pray God comforts your and Grangers hearts and He gives you both the strength and peace you desperately need. My love and prayers to you and your beautiful family always 🙏🏻🙌🏻❤️🙌🏻🙏🏻

Your family is so strong and inspiring. You're so open with your grief and pain and healing and it's assisted so many people including myself. Thank you for this and for teaching me how to better care for the kiddos I watch by letting their parents know about this.

Hugs to you all. This was a wonderful video knowledge is power take care

Thank you Amber for letting us know about ISR. Thank you for sharing how God is working through you and your family. You guys are a blessing to us!🙏🏽

I've been a fan for a couple of years and I haven't really seen videos that explained what happened to River and before I clicked on the video I searched up what happened to Riv and what it said on the internet just shocked me. So I came back and watched the video and I heard Amber say what happened and I shedded a tear because it just breaks my heart. I am very sorry for what happened to River. At the end of the day you have to remember that God will keep him safe until you guys meet back up with him. Remember to always keep your head up while going through tough times. It is very hard to deal with a death in the family, especially when it's your own kid. I love The Smith's so much and hope for the best of all of you guys.

Mav, you are a rock star! Amber, you are an angel to share this difficult emotional process with others. You ARE making a difference. #LivLikeRiv❤❤❤❤❤❤

Thank- You So Much for Sharing your experiences to Save so Many Children.. God Bless You and Your Family..

Because of your story I enrolled my 18 month old daughter in ISR swim lessons. She is just a few weeks away from completing her first round of swim-float lessons and we are so proud of her! The first week was rough, lots of crying but before we knew it our little girl learned to love the water and started looking forward to her lessons every day. Her instructor is AMAZING and I am so thankful for her! We live in Florida and are surrounded by lakes, pools and the ocean. These lessons are invaluable to our daughter and have been worth every single penny. You are so right when you talk about the layers of protection for water safety. We are practicing every single one at every single moment of our day but we have piece of mind in our daughter’s ability to find the air in the event she ever does fall into a body of water. I think of River and of Levi often and I pray for them and for you, their families 🙏 You have my eternal gratitude for sharing your story, I am doing my best to live like Riv and I want to say that your passion for sharing ISR to other parents has passed on to me. I too am sharing ISR information to other parents whenever I can! God bless 💜

I am such a strong advocate for ISR after my sister took her son to this training at about the same age. At first I was skeptical that a child can learn to float and breathe above the water at such a young age but after I attended a class with her I was so impressed with the method. As adults we also do not give babies and young children enough credit that they can learn such complex skills.

So adorable! Love him❤️🙏

I don't even have grandchildren yet, but I just shared this video with my daughter. Thank you for sharing your ISR story. 🎈

Very empactful video. Everyone should share this video. Thank you Smith's

What a gift you've given to all who watched this and who will watch this. I've seen your struggles and I just know God is working thru you! What a blessing of those who teach ISR and for those who will learn!

I think the most important thing about ISR for babies is you are conditioning them not to panic. It's that panic stage that could really do a baby/child in the water. This gives them more time to keep them afloat w/o flailing and breathing in all that water to drown them.

This was POWERFUL. ❤️

Oh the tears I cried watching this just remembering and watching your precious family going through the loss of your beautiful Riv! I'm so happy you put this out there and are using your platform to educate others on something so life altering. I love you Smith family and your sweet Angel baby will ALWAYS be with you and watching over his baby brother. Mav's got an angel with him all the time! #livelikeRiv #ISR #watersaftey 🦋 🎈😇🙏🏻

I will share the heck out of this.

I have to say that some parts of this made my heart sink but seeing him turn towards the air is so wonderful. I know this was tough for you as well Amber but you are helping to save babies. Thank you for letting us see your journey through this. 💜

This is amazing! So many little lives saved because you are willing to share! Thank you!!

What a wonderful video I was holding my breath and raising my head for little Maverick and cried with him. You have helped alot of people and they will give that gift to their babies GOD BLESS YOU 🙏

This video was so professionally done, and also so emotional and educational… there needs to be another way to get this out to the masses. Maybe in the movie theaters (before a movie starts), or in the hospital birthing areas to educate the new parents, or how about a college course?

What a well done video of ISR, you have the best platform for this to get to more families! Hard to watch even for someone who follows y’all and watched all your pain throughout the years! This is so very special in so many ways! What a way to make such a negative into putting so much positive back into the world!

So many tears...you are so strong amber

I’ve said it so many time but thank you Smith family for doing hard things! I have never heard of ISR till you started sharing about it!

Thank you for sharing the whole ISR in 1 video. I've shared it on Facebook. Hopin it brings awareness. GOD BLESS 🙌🙏

Bless your hearts for being so strong 💖. This is a very special gift you are giving Mavi😍. We grew up in a Harbor . All the children Had to learn to swim manditorily. We never had floatation devices unless you were on a Boat. Thank you for sharing such a hard subject Amber 💝. Beautiful Job Maverick 👏. JO JO IN VT 😆💕

I’m so sorry for your loss; River was a beautiful boy. I think it’s amazing that you’re protecting Maverick by having him learn what to do if he ever falls in the water. I have the utmost respect for the teacher, but I have to say, it’s kind of funny when she says he’s exploring his environment. Maverick- ::tries not to go underwater:: Teacher: See, he’s exploring his environment

Wow is all I can say! Amazing and powerful to watch Maverick and Amber walk through that process together in ISR! What a powerful legacy River has left behind for his little brother and so many others! Thank you for showing us a glimpse into the process of ISR!

Wow! He did such a great job! Way to go Maverick! What a great gift to give your child. I pray this information gets to all new parents. Some of this made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I had no idea that when given the proper tools and instruction that an infant can find the air he or she needs. Great job to The instructor as well. Amber you did awesome. I could NOT imagine seeing my baby go under like that. I know how much ISR is absolutely necessary.

My nephew drowned last summer we never have a day go by we dont think of him, but yesterday my 3 yr old grandson was sitting on the steps to the pool and all the kids were getting in and he is a trooper so he was right behind them and jumped in were the water was 5 ft deep as soon as i saw him jump in i went in right after him and pulled him up Thank God he knows to hold his breath, but i was so terrified people please teach your babies to swim, this morning when i got to my daughters house i asked if i could wake up my grandson, and she said yes mom, i went to his bed and woke him up soon as he seen me he said hi mommoe, i busted out crying i couldnt hold it back the thought of losing another family member to a drowning, I held him and Thanked God i was close to him when it happened, i will never allow him to sit on the steps again with out me next to him. prayers for all the families who have lost a loved one to a drowning. my heart is with you 💜

If I had young babies, after seeing your story, I would definitely be doing ISR. My children are teens and can swim but they have been around water their whole life, sure wish I had known about this back then. Such a strong momma you are and a great message to spread awareness.

Amber I’m so proud of Maverick ! You also did good. Thank you for sharing the word about this because I never knew. We love y’all so much and miss little Riv ❤️🎈🦋

Maverick is such a beautiful gift from God and River.

I’m a ball of tears. I’m so sorry for the parents out there who have lost a kid. My heart goes out to you. Thank you for making this video to support teaching our children these survival skills.

I’m going to share this on All Platforms I have, maybe we can change the percentage of children drowning to Zero. Thank You for sharing this information and Maverick’s progress while doing his section’s.

This is such an awesome video! It made me cry! Yall are making such a difference in the world and that is wonderful! ❤🦖

This is so necessary Amber I am so glad you were brave enough to do this it is such a gift you are giving Maverick. 🙂🇨🇦❤

I think this is amazing and so smart of you to have him learn how to save hisself if he would ever accidentally fall into a pool or a body of water. I started my son very young too, because almost everyone on my husband’s side of the family can’t swim and they always love to go fishing.