By Heater Ball-Ding

Ermergerd Gerberl reperter!

Swimming fans will love the new survivalist reality show being filmed in the San Juan Islands this year.

“Extreme Swimmers was the brainchild of Tina Iceberg, who has been behind a number of reality shows,” said spokesman Tough Cookie.

The series starts with contestants training in the islands for a race from Friday Harbor to Anchorage, Alaska. The show will begin filming in July, as water temperatures warm. This way, the athletes will have a full eight months to become acclimated to the frigid waters that await.

While training, the show’s writers have concocted several minor competitions. Those races include distance swimming, from Roche Harbor to Stuart Island; obstacle courses complete with dodging deadhead logs, boats and beds of kelp; deep underwater swimming that involves finding a Giant Pacific octopus; relay races across the Strait of Juan De Fuca from American Camp to Port Townsend; and much more. While the exercises may sound dangerous, Cookie assures all players will be safe, and a doctor will be on hand every stroke of the way.

“It is extreme swimming after all, and celebrating the amazing things humans can do in the water,” she said.

Swimmers will be camping at the San Juan County Park for the duration, according to Cookie, and there is sure to be much campfire drama.

The producers are still vetting the candidates. She added that they hope to have the cast selected by the end of April. Along with current athletic abilities and swimming experience, part of the consideration, Cookie said, is how the personalities will mesh with one another.

“Not only will this be fun for the islands, but it should be great for the economy as well,” Cookie noted.