Introducing... Head Above Water

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Head Above Water Podcast

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.
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.

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We lost 323 people to drowning incidents in Australia, and a big percentage of those people who lost their lives were from multicultural backgrounds.

Suren Jayemanne

Australia is surrounded by water.

Sashi Perera

Wherever you look in this country, there's a new place to explore. There's so much coastline, there's rivers and waterfalls. It can be exhilarating, breathtaking,

Suren Jayemanne

or sometimes, to be honest, a little bit scary.

Sashi Perera

What do you find scary, Suren?

Suren Jayemanne

Well, the most terrifying thing in the world to me is I go to the beach and I end up on Bondi rescue wearing cargo pants.

Suren Jayemanne

What about you, Sashi?

Sashi Perera

I always worry as soon as I can't feel the ground beneath my toes when I'm swimming. Always makes me panic.

Suren Jayemanne

Some of the things Aussies take for granted about water culture have made us laugh and scratch our heads.

Sashi Perera

I could not get over the shark siren on Cottesloe Beach.

Suren Jayemanne

Yeah, or those tiny little bathers, what do they call them, budgie smugglers.

Sashi Perera

I'm Sashi Perera, a 2nd generation Sri Lankan Australian comedian, writer, and recovering lawyer.

Suren Jayemanne

And I'm Suren Jayemanne. I'm also Sri Lankan Australian, and I have never learned to swim. Like, I'm a grown man, I'm 38 years old. I've got a bank account and a job. I know how to change a tyre, but I don't know how to swim.

Sashi Perera

Don't worry, Suren, I'm going to help you and other new Australians to learn how to be more comfortable in and around the water.

Suren Jayemanne

This is Head Above Water, a podcast series from SBS Audio. We'll take you to a local swimming pool where plenty of adults are learning to swim.

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Let's understand what to do and what not to do when we are in the water.

Sashi Perera

You'll meet a lifeguard who gives you the lowdown on what to look out for in the surf.

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The lifesavers are constantly watching, and if you need any kind of help, we are seconds away from you.

Suren Jayemanne

Whether you're casting a line to fish,

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you really are right there amongst the elements

Sashi Perera

or jumping on a boat for a day on the water.

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The most important safety item is the vessel itself.

Sashi Perera

And it's not just about the beach or the pool. We'll also chat about staying safe while swimming in Australia's gorgeous rivers, creeks, dams and water holes.

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I love going out to swim, especially in natural areas, but you need to have your lines of defence, and knowing how to swim would be your biggest one.

Suren Jayemanne

So come along and help me learn to be more confident in the water and find out how you can stay safe and feel part of Australia's incredible water culture.

Sashi Perera

You can find the Head above Water series as part of the Australia Explained podcast from SBS Audio.

END OF TRANSCRIPT

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