The start of summer is right around the corner, and one local nonprofit is trying to fight back against the ongoing New York City lifeguard shortage by hosting free training sessions.  

Lifeguards looking to get certified for the first time or even re-certified joined Inclusive Community Wellness’ free class at the LIU-Brooklyn Campus pool.  

Lifeguard trainees did not take Tuesday to swim in the pool, but rather focused on learning out-of-pool skills such as CPR.  

The lifeguard exam requires swimmers to complete 50 yards in 35 seconds or less, have a minimum of 20/30 vision in one eye and 20/40 in the other without glasses or contacts, and to be at least 16 years old when your lifeguard position begins.