A Halifax man who is growing in popularity as an online content creator on social media has teamed up with a Nova Scotia apparel company for a good cause.

Seam McMullen, known online as Saltwater Sean, explores bodies of water all over the province and shares with the internet world what he finds.

He has now partnered with Noreaster Apparel on a limited-edition hat with a portion of the proceeds that will go to Autism Nova Scotia – a charity he says is very close to his heart.

“I chose that because my youngest boy is on the spectrum,” says McMullen. “I just think that Autism Nova Scotia is such an amazing organization that really genuinely helps people.”

He says he wanted to create awareness about the work they do, especially after the charity went through financial uncertainty in the spring budget.

“All $20 of the hat sale directly goes to Autism Nova Scotia and the rest goes to Noreaster. I’m not taking any of it,” adds McMullen.

Who is Saltwater Sean?

McMullen is a 39-year-old who works for a real estate company. His online persona, Saltwater Sean is based on a childhood hobby and was created during the pandemic.

“Which was really the rediscovery of a childhood passion that kind of came to life during that time and has snowballed into something I never thought it would be,” says McMullen. “It’s become a blessing and cool part of my life that was very unexpected.”

McMullen describes Saltwater Sean has someone who learned to “follow their gut and their heart and their passion all the way”.

“No one tells me how to do what I do,” explains McMullen. “I just kind of go with the flow and explore bodies of water. I’ll go explore anywhere in this province.”

He says it has led to many interesting places, people and opportunities he “never would have even dreamed of”.

Interesting finds

McMullen has explored more bodies of water in the province than he can keep track of.

He free dives and snorkels and finds some interesting things.

“I’ve found everything from modern-day phones that are still working to antique bottles from Halifax’s early history and everything in between,” explains McMullen. “Sometimes when I think I’ve seen it all, then I find something that’s just like…’what how did this get here’.”

Partnership formed

Noreaster Apparel is a Nova Scotia clothing brand.

McMullen says they reached out to him a few weeks ago about doing something custom together after seeing his content.

“They actually sent me a couple shirts and sweaters because they saw me magnet fishing,” explains McMullen. “That led us to just developing a relationship. I thought maybe if I have a platform of recognition, maybe I could do something different with this.”

He says he is getting recognized a lot more around town lately and it’s not something he’ll ever get used to.

“I don’t really know how to act in those situations. I would do this if no one was watching. If the audience all went away today, I’d still be out tomorrow doing it.”