Kim Bruneau set a new record recognized by the Guinness World Records for the deepest underwater model photoshoot in the Bahamas. Bruneau achieved this feat by diving to a depth of 40 meters and posing on a sunken oil tanker. The information comes directly from Kim Bruneau.
In 2023, Montreal real estate broker Kim Bruneau experienced a remarkable year, marked by personal milestones and a Guinness World Record achievement. The journey commenced with the joyous arrival of her first child and culminated in a groundbreaking feat—shattering the world record for an underwater photoshoot at a depth of 40.2 meters (131 feet) on the sea floor in Nassau, Bahamas.
The 38-year-old, known for her role as a model and philanthropist, collaborated with photographer Pia Oyarzun for the record-setting endeavor. Bruneau, who confessed to initial nervousness, found solace in the support of her team and security divers. Recounting the experience, she shared with CTV News, "It was like all the stars aligned for this special moment," describing the perfect conditions with mirror-like water and an indistinguishable horizon.
During the photoshoot, Bruneau posed without breathing equipment, relying on scuba gear between takes. To capture the record-breaking images, she had to remove her mask, holding her breath for each shot taken by Oyarzun. The 37-minute dive took place near the submerged Sea Trader wreck, where Bruneau descended with enriched air until 30 meters (100 feet) and then utilized a secondary demand valve for the final 10 meters (30 feet).
The captivating photos feature Bruneau in a white ballerina dress, gracefully navigating the artificial reef created by the intentionally sunk oil tanker. Reflecting on her unexpected journey, she shared on Instagram, "If someone had told me that two years later I would be going down into the abyss, hanging on its wall, to pose for a world record, I probably would've laughed frivolously."
Bruneau's expedition was not only about breaking records but also intertwined with her personal narrative. Her venture into underwater exploration began as a response to unsuccessful fertility treatments in Canada. After a surfing accident in Mexico, she shifted her focus to underwater diving, discovering a newfound passion through freediving classes. However, complications arising from fertility treatments led her to a hospital in Florida.
Undeterred, Bruneau continued her quest for relaxation and fertility success. Her path led her to a doctor in Florida, where she obtained her master diver license and learned to swim with sharks. Connecting with Oyarzun on Instagram, she traveled to the Bahamas to collaborate on underwater projects.
A pivotal moment in her journey was a miscarriage in Florida, prompting Bruneau to reevaluate her approach. She decided to immerse herself fully in diving, believing it played a role in her eventual pregnancy. The weightlessness and silence underwater provided her with a sense of relaxation amidst the stress of fertility treatments and miscarriage.
Bruneau emphasized the connection she felt with the water during pregnancy, noting that her daughter seemed to respond positively to the weightless environment. In the water, the baby became still, suggesting a sense of freedom and comfort. For Bruneau, the underwater realm became a source of solace and a catalyst for both personal and record-breaking achievements in the extraordinary year of 2023.
