Unfortunately most Brazilian people can hardly keep their heads above water, and in many situations they are in deep water because of this...

If you don't know the meaning of these expressions, take a look below:

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/2013/08/130808_todays_phrase_head_above_water.shtml 

To keep your head above water

Synchronised swimmers performing
French synchronised swimmers at the World Swimming Championships. Photo: Michael Dalder/ Reuters

Today's Phrase

If you say you're trying to keep your head above water, you mean you are just managing to survive despite not having much money.
Examples:
Our company isn't doing very well but we're just about keeping our head above water.
I'm struggling to pay the bills; I don't know if I can keep my head above water.

Take note

To be in deep water means to be in trouble or a difficult situation that is hard to deal with.
Examples:
We're going to be in deep water if someone finds out that we broke that window.

Interesting fact

Synchronised swimming is a mix of swimming, dancing and gymnastics. It is an Olympic sport but only women are allowed to enter. Swimmers are judged on two performances – one technical and one freestyle. Russia won the synchronised swimming event in the 2012 Olympics in London.