All New Yorkers are eligible to take YMCA’s year-long, free lifeguard certification program, which is part of a larger effort to rebuild the city’s dwindling lifeguard population.

Those who pass the free classes are eligible to work at YMCA pools, but they won’t be able to immediately work at city-run pools and beaches because of stricter regulations.

For the second year in a row, there are fewer lifeguards on duty than before the pandemic.

DC37, the union that represents city lifeguards, has its own procedure for certifying lifeguards, and advocates say the restrictive application process is the cause of understaffing.

Meanwhile, organizations like the YMCA and Red Cross have teamed up to form the Lifeguard Interorganizational Task Force, which also includes representatives from nonprofits and the mayor’s office. The force is focused on preventing lifeguard shortages.

Sharon Greenberger, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York and the co-chair of the task force, joined NY1 political anchor Errol Louis on “Inside City Hall” Wednesday to talk more about this ongoing problem.

“You can’t do the work without the lifeguards,” Greenberger said. “So, something’s going to have to give to ensure that the capacity’s there to meet the needs of our communities.”