Parents face mixed response after six-month-old baby becomes the 'world's youngest person' to water ski

Six-month-old Rich Casey Humpherys has set a new (unofficial) world record — becoming the youngest person to go water skiing.

His parents, mum Mindi and dad Casey, shared a video to the tiny tot's own Instagram page, showing him shredding waves on Lake Powell in Utah earlier this month with the caption: "I went water skiing for my 6 month birthday. Apparently that's a big deal".

The couple also posted the video to their own social media, with proud dad Casey sharing a series of photos showing the training process beforehand and telling followers: "Take one look at this kid and tell me he isn't having the time of his life! Such a little stud!"

Lots of people cooed over the clip, but there were also plenty who attacked Rich's parents.

"Are you stupid or what? Its a baby!!! When he grow up, he will choose," one person wrote.

Another said "How disgusting you'd endanger your baby like that for clout... he is 6 months old man!!!! You should both be ashamed of yourself!!"

"This just isn't okay," one person said, while another wrote: "So many things could have gone wrong. [It's] not cute just for likes."

"Crazy that people literally now have kids just to use as props for their social media," another said.

Others came to the couple's defence, calling them "cool parents" and saying the little boy was clearly having fun.

"I don't understand why this post is getting so much hate! I saw this and thought it was the most awesome thing ever! You go little man. Y'all keep being dope parents!!"

"He looks like he's loving it!!!! He's so cute, people need to chill!," another said.

One person commented: "Absolutely love this. This child is so brave and wants to be challenged. What cool parents!"

Rich, who was six months and four days old when he went water skiing, isn't the only child to try it at a similar age.

The previous record holder was reportedly Auburn Absher, who in September 2016 was six months and 10 days old when he got into the water.

And Auburn took over the record from Zyla St.Onge, who was aged 6 months and 27 days when she went water skiing a few months earlier, in May 2016.