Meet comedians and good mates Sashi and Suren—one loves swimming and water, the other doesn’t like getting wet! Together they’re learning what Australians enjoy about water and how to get amongst it, from the basics of adult swimming lessons, to understanding how to spot a rip in the surf.
Australia’s surrounded by water – surf beaches, rivers, creeks, gorges and pools are everywhere, and it seems like swimming or hanging out by the water is all anyone wants to do. Whether you want to swim, surf, cruise around on a boat or just enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the pool, you’re in for a great time. But if you’re not comfortable around the water, how do you get started?
If that sounds like you, then comedian Suren Jayemanne’s with you! Born to Sri Lankan parents, Suren grew up in Australia, but never connected with the water. Now he’s realising just how much he’s missing out on by not being able to swim – so he’s called in some help.
Fellow comedian Sashi Perera was born in Sri Lanka and moved with her family to Australia via Dubai. When the family learned they were coming down under, Sashi was enrolled in swimming lessons right away. Today, she loves everything from swimming laps at her local pool to deep-sea diving.
Sashi’s on a mission to help Suren get involved with Australia’s water culture – and you’re invited.
You’ll hear from lifeguards, boating experts, community leaders and even an Olympian – about how to stay safe on your water adventures and what to expect from Australia’s unique water culture.
Head Above Water is a production of Deadset Studios for SBS Audio.
Hosts: Suren Jayemanne and Sashi Perera
Executive Producer: Kellie Riordan
Supervising Producer: Vanessa Wiltshire
Producer: Liam Riordan
Sound recordist: Sean Holden
Sound designer: Ryan Pemberton
Production Manager: Ann Chesterman
SBS Commissioning Editors: Janine Googan, Roza Germian and Maram Ismail
Artwork by Tonia Composto (The Illustration Room)
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made.
