Annual Swim for the Sanctuary event continues to drive conservation efforts

THE upcoming Swim for the Sanctuary charity event will once again put the spotlight on marine conservation, with proceeds from the annual initiative supporting the work of the White River Fish Sanctuary and other community programmes supported by the Jamaica Inn Foundation. Set for November 7, 2026 at Shaw Park Beach, the swim will feature 500m, 1K, 3K, 5K, relays and paddle board events with close to 100 swimmers expected to participate, including defending 5K winner Joel Sinclair. Kyle Mais, director at the Jamaica Inn Foundation, said the event holds special significance because of its connection to the sanctuary, which plays a critical role in protecting and restoring Jamaica’s marine environment. “One of the reasons why I am especially excited about this year’s event personally — it’s always an amazing day, but it’s all for a very good cause,” Mais said.

“Many of you would have heard me talk about this maybe too many times now, but the cause that is very dear and near to our hearts is the White River Fish Sanctuary. ” Mais explained that the event’s fundraising structure ensures that participation directly supports the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. “All of our entry fees through swim go directly to the sanctuary. We raise other funds throughout the day, whether it’s food and beverage or apparel and logo items, those funds go straight to the Jamaica Inn Foundation that helps us to support other programmes. ” Meanwhile, Jonathan Hernould, manager of the White River Fish Sanctuary, shared that the programme’s work is centred on three pillars — protect, restore and engage, which guide its efforts to safeguard marine life, rehabilitate damaged coral reefs and educate surrounding communities about the importance of conservation. Swimmers diving into the sea at Shaw…