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Freediving, or breath-hold diving, is an ancient practice once used by many coastal peoples. For centuries it was a tool used to fish, and to retrieve shells from the ocean floor. People
would hold their breath for what most of us would think were unnaturally long periods, and dive deep into the ocean. Michael Adams learned to freedive in Bali by learning to slow his
heartbeat, withdraw blood from his extremities, and make economical use of his lungs as they compressed under the force of the ocean's depths. The practice also helped him to understand
his father's death, and his own mortality. Michael teaches and researches in Human Geography at University of Wollongong. His essay on freediving and mortality was the winner of this
year's _ABR_ Calibre Essay prize. FURTHER INFORMATION Michael's essay _Salt Blood_ is in the June-July 2017 issue of the _Australian Book Review_ (no. 392) (available free online)
_Original broadcast July 2017_ HELP IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE Lifeline 13 11 14 offers 24 hour counselling The Alcohol and Drug Foundation website has a comprehensive list of contacts for help
with drug and alcohol issues SANE Australia - helpline, online, forums 1800 187 263 MUSIC PLAYED AT END OF RN BROADCAST Track: _Deep River_ by Paul Neufeld (Album - _Walk Together_)