Over 100 swimmers participated in the fourth annual Swim for the Sanctuary at White River Beach on November 30, raising funds for the White River Fish Sanctuary (WRFS).

The event, dedicated to marine conservation, highlighted partnerships with brands such as Quaker, Bumble Bee, and Banana Boat, under the stewardship of Massy Distribution Jamaica Limited.

Participants, including local and international swimmers, competed in distances ranging from 500m to 5 km. The funds raised support WRFS’s efforts to protect Jamaica’s marine ecosystems, which have seen a 47 per cent increase in fish populations since 2017.

Massy Distribution Senior Brand Manager Gabrielle Curling stated, “Environmental sustainability is one of our corporate social responsibilities. Bumble Bee’s commitment to responsibly farming tuna and salmon reflects our dedication to ocean preservation. Events like Swim for the Sanctuary align perfectly with our goals to support Jamaica’s environmental future.”

Curling also praised the Jamaica Inn Foundation and WRFS for their coral restoration initiatives, as well as the Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica for promoting swimming as a valuable life skill.

Director of the Jamaica Inn Foundation Kyle Mais emphasised the importance of community education.

“Global warming has led to coral bleaching, threatening marine ecosystems. By cultivating resilient coral and reinforcing conservation efforts, we hope to secure the health of our oceans,” he said

Massy Distribution collaborated with eco-conscious cleaning service provider What Party to maintain the event’s sustainability focus. Jacob Rosen, director of What Party, commended the collaboration, noting, “The turnout was incredible. It’s a testament to the positive impact of collective efforts for environmental preservation.”

The WRFS plans to expand educational outreach in schools, promoting awareness about marine conservation and reef health.

As the event concluded, Curling reaffirmed Massy Distribution’s stance on supporting initiatives like Swim for the Sanctuary as part of the broader fight for marine conservation.