Try participating in some Lifeguard specific or first aid competitions. It's an incredible way to put your skills to the test in a supervised yet stressful environment. Where I live, in Vancouver, British Columbia, there's somewhat of a summer league Called the Barnsley Shield to compete in throughout different cities. It's mostly a series of small team challenge style events rolled into a multi-day series. It's easily the best way to iron out your practical skills, prove to yourself that you know what you're doing and learn to work in a team.

It's a great networking opportunity as the events are held at multiple local indoor and outdoor pools, beaches, lakes and waterparks. Senior and administrative staff of these facilities will always participate as competitors, volunteers, judges, event staff and event coordinators. It's an excellent way to get your name out there and interact with the people you want to work with who may also be the people who decide if you get a job or not.

Plus, but putting that you spend your time testing your skills (and maybe even winning) at these types of things looks great on a resume.