Seth Casteel - Underwater Babies

Im thought of more as a dogs guy, so even I find it a little surprising that I am the author of this book. But Ive always loved being with babies, and on this project I was extremely inspired by every single baby I met and photographed. And in spending time with the many generous and loving parents I worked with on Underwater Babies, I immediately came to appreciate the responsibility and selflessness it requires to be a parent. The babies, their parents, and I had a fantastic experience!

Everybody knows that humans evolved from mermaids, which helps us understand why we as a species can truly thrive in the water. Its also clear that as we continue to embrace the water more and more, we may see a transition back to living in a world under the sea. Okayso Im obviously just kidding here, but Im glad you are taking the time to read my introduction.

The real story starts for me when a little dog jumped into the pool a few years ago and my life changed forever. My first book, Underwater Dogs, began as a passionate project to explore the connection dogs have with the water and the fascinating range of emotions they reveal during their adventures below the surface. Throughout the course of that project, I realized humans lacked understanding when it came to water safety for their pets. Thousands of dogs in the United States suffer tragedies in backyard swimming pools every single year. Its not because they cant swimits because they havent been given the opportunity to practice and dont understand how to get out. People just dont think about it.

With my next book, Underwater Puppies, I taught more than 1,500 puppies about water safety. They learned about buoyancy, their physicality in the water, and the concept of a swimming pool versus a natural body of water. Using the photographs as a vehicle, I delivered the message of water safety for pets to hundreds of millions of people in hopes of raising awareness of the potential dangers of swimming pools.

While working on the puppies project, I learned of shocking statistics regarding water-related accidents with human children. Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for those under age five in the United States. The hidden dangers of swimming pools continue to cause tragedies every single day, but these tragedies can be prevented. I saw photography as an opportunity to help.

I set out on a mission to create a joyful, whimsical series of images of babies swimming to generate awareness about water safety for children. To produce these photographs, I teamed up with infant swimming schools throughout the United States. Each photo shoot was an actual swim lesson, with each baby learning water safety and survival skills.

I strongly advise parents to consider all of the amazing benefits of infant swimming lessons and to choose a program that is right for them and their child. Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent for children under age five.

Keeping our babies safe, whether they are fur babies or human babies, is our top priority. They are our responsibility. We are their guardians. We are their voice. I urge anyone with a pet or a child to take all precautions to ensure their charges are safe around the water, and also to enjoy the magic that can happen when we partake in the water the right way.

Some people looking at these images will be surprised, even shocked, that they are genuine. I not only expect this but welcome it. Among the children that are most vulnerable to tragedy are those being protected by parents who either dont know that water danger exists or, worse, consider swimming a risky activity. But in Underwater Babies, you are seeing what can happen when a loving and supportive parent introduces a baby to water in a safe and instructive environment. Outside the cameras lens, parents and instructors were in the pool with each baby to help make his or her experience joyful and safe. Youll notice the babies amazing expressions. All of the children in my book are between four months and seventeen months old and possess the natural brady-cardic reflex that makes it possible for them to hold their breath underwater. The process was astonishing to see, each and every time, and I feel lucky to share these very real underwater moments with you.