THE first-ever Open Water Swimming CARIFTA Trial was successfully held at the Puerto Seco Beach in Discovery Bay, St Ann, on the weekend.

Seven swimmers, five males and two females, representing four swim clubs, turned out for the 5K event.

Y Speedos' Nicolai Johnson placed first in the 15-17 male category in a time of 1:20:10.68. Second in that category was Nicholas Haughton of the Marlins in a time of 1:27:51.60. Third was Khaleel Williams of Blue Seals (1:27:53:62).

They were followed by Tornadoes' Don-Romario Watson in a time of 1:42:09.74.

In the 13-14 male, Darius Smith of the Tornadoes finished in a time of 2:02:20.60.

In the 15-17 female age group, Marissa Webber from the Tornadoes finished in a time of 1:20:54:31. She was the second place finisher overall.

For the 13-14 female, Jada Brown of the Tornadoes finished in a time of 2:01:52.13 in this category.

The event was used as a logistical test for the Open Water Swim competition at the XXVIII CARIFTA Swimming Championships, which will be held in Jamaica from March 30 to April 3.

The event was also used as a time trial to assist in the selection of the members of the national age group team to represent Jamaica in the Championships.