2025 Lifetime Achievement Award – Presented to Jim McAllister
Jim McAllister is a true icon in the aquatic world, whose contributions span over six decades. A 9-time national champion with the NYAC Water Polo team, Jim brought intensity, leadership, and excellence to every competition. As captain of the New York State Tech swim and water polo teams, he earned All-American honors as a backstroker, setting a high standard for collegiate athletes. A U.S. Army Head Water Safety Trainer, he helped shape lifesaving protocols that protected countless lives. Jim also played a pivotal role in founding the Long Island Swim Officials Association, ensuring the integrity of the sport. A competitor in the Olympic Trials and a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, his achievements are truly amazing. With 63 years of unwavering service and impact in the lifesaving community, Jim McAllister truly exemplifies what it means to be a lifetime role model.
