For Jamaica’s top young pool swimmers the open water test at the Swim for the Sanctuary event is proving to be more than just a change of scenery and an exercise for charity, it is an essential tool in sharpening their competitive edge in the pool.

Swimmers of all ages and levels turned out on Saturday at Shaw Park Beach in Ocho Rios to participate in the sixth staging of the event, which is used to raise awareness and funds in support of the White River Fish Sanctuary.

The sanctuary is a protected area off the coast of Ocho Rios which was established to help the conservation and rehabilitation of coral reef and fish population in the zone.

Among the young swimmers who embraced the open water challenge was Y Speedos Swim Club standout Matthew Kennedy, who contested the 3km race and highlighted both the physical and mental demands of the ocean environment.

“It was a nice race. At the first stop I kind of slowed down because I wasn’t sure where I was supposed to turn for the final turn, but after that I picked up the pace and got a good time,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy topped the male 3km field with a time of 46:00 minutes, with Peyton Gayle from Swimaz Aquatic taking second place in 51:02 and Brandon Wong, 51:12, finishing third. All three were from the boys 15-19 age group.

Beyond the race result, Kennedy, a regular top performer for Jamaica at the regional level, pointed to the direct benefits the open water format brings to his pool performances.

“It really helps with the strengthening of my arms, the strengthening of my pulls and helps with my mindset…In the open, there is no giving up in the race,” Kennedy explained.

He added that the experience has already paid dividends at the highest level.

“I did an open water race last year at the Carifta Games and it was a really good experience. I would do it again, but I have other events that I am focusing on and working towards right now.”

Having represented Jamaica at the 2022, 2024, and 2025 Carifta Aquatics Championships, with hopes of another appearance this year, Kennedy remains focused on progression.

“I have won numerous medals for Jamaica at both the regional and local level and I just want to make sure I continue my development,” he said, noting that he is pushing for a medal at the next staging in Martinique in April.

Tornadoes Swim Club’s Kai Lawson was another winner on the day and also left the beach encouraged after completing the Female 3km, pointing to measurable improvement over last year.

“I think it went smoothly,” Lawson said. “The time I did was an improvement from last year, so I really liked it. I am very happy with how everything went, I did a faster time than last time out, so that’s a positive.”

Lawson completed the female 3km course in 50:40 minutes, with her tornadoes Swim Club teammate Isabella Wong, 1:00.37, taking second place ahead of Sharks’ Addison Thomas, who also registered a time of 1:00.37.

Lawson believes the physical demands of the ocean translate directly to pool racing.

“Because of the resistance that the waves create, it would be easier in the pool because there are no waves, so I feel like open water swimming makes you stronger.”

A member of Jamaica’s national team, Lawson enjoyed a breakthrough showing at last year’s regional championship, winning three gold, three silver, and three bronze medals and will be hoping her work in the ocean will once again impact her performance in the pool.

For Lawson, a Wolmer’s High School for Girls student, and Kennedy alike, Swim for the Sanctuary continues to serve as a valuable proving ground, one that builds resilience, strength, and confidence long before they step back between the pool lanes.

In other events, Julian Willoughby (Y Speedos), 8:20, won the male 500m swim ahead of Damani Jones (Y Speedos), 10:06, and Steven Hoo Fung (Swimaz), 10:19.

The male 1km was won by Dimitri Ventura (Vikings), 15:40, with second place going to Dominic Whilby (Makoz Aquatics Racers), 15:46, and Blue Marlin’s Sergio Dalrymple, 16:14, finishing third.

In the female 500m race, the top three spots were swept by Y Speedos trio Sarah Burke 8:45; Jordayna Thomas, 9:43, and Sage Sinclair, 9:54.

Emanuelle Spence (Tornadoes), 16:50, won the female 1km category. Second place went to her clubmate Khloe-Renee Bryan, 16:58, with Swimaz’s Leah-Paige Phillips, 18:19, taking third place.

The Male 5km went to Joel Sinclair, 1:16:57, from Sharks Swim Club, with Mateo Cheng Hin Mee (Y Speedos), 1:18:01, finishing second and Allan Marsh (Y Speedos), 1:29:35, crossing the line in third place.

Layla Wong, 6:56, won the 500m paddleboard race ahead of Lawson, 8:49, and Leah-Paige Phillips, 9:18.

All proceeds from the paddleboard race will be donated to the Jamaica Surfing Association.

Overall winner of the male 3km Matthew Kennedy (left) shares the spotlight with Elon Parkinson, communications manager at Petrojam, during the Swim for the Sanctuary at Shaw Park Beach in Ocho Rios on Saturday.