Q: Avoid swimming alone, and stick to guarded beaches. Additionally, go swimming in the water in front of a lifeguard stand, especially if there are any alerts about possible rip currents or other hazardous conditions.  Swim near a lifeguard stand, but remember not to set up your blanket or chairs in front of the stand. The lifeguard will need a clear path to the water if they have to make a rescue. If you do go swimming on an unguarded beach, avoid going in deeper than your waist. It's also best to bring a floatation device into the water with you. When you get to the beach, look for flags or signs that indicate potentially dangerous ocean conditions. If you see a flag and aren’t sure what it means, ask a lifeguard. If you live in the United States, check your local beach forecast at https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-forecasts. While strong winds can make waves choppier, rip currents aren’t directly caused by the weather and can form even in calm conditions. Key factors include the shape of the ocean bottom, sandbars, and structures such as jetties, rocks, and piers. Rip currents can form at any time, but they’re more likely to develop at low tide. Only a lifeguard or other trained emergency responder should attempt a rescue. If there is no lifeguard present, call emergency services and yell out instructions to the person caught in the current.  Yell to them “Stay calm! Don’t try to fight the current. Swim parallel to shore to get out of it.” Try to find an object that floats and, if possible, throw it to the person caught in the current. If you don't have rescue equipment, such as a life jacket or ring buoy, a surfboard, boogie board, cooler, or foam noodle could work as improvised floatation devices.
A: Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty. Check your local beach forecast before going in the water. Use caution even if the weather is nice. Don’t try to rescue someone caught in a rip current.

Q: Obtain a radio scanner that is capable of receiving frequencies between 118.0 and 136.975 MHz. Good brands to check out include Uniden, and Whistler.  You can also find general coverage receivers from Icom, Yaesu, Grundig, Kenwood and others that will pick up air frequencies.  You're better off selecting a good scanner instead of a general coverage unit, thanks to the scanner's ability to easily monitor multiple frequencies.  Realize that in radio electronics, you get what you pay for.  A scanner from one of the aforementioned brands will outperform a no-name brand that claims airline coverage.  Most scanners pick up the entirety of the aircraft band. You can also listen to air traffic control facilities from around the world at websites including liveatc.net, globalair.com, airnav.com and radioreference.com. 121.5 is the emergency frequency.  If there is some sort of emergency, pilots will transmit on it.  You could also hear an emergency locator beacon on this frequency if a plane crashes. 122.750 MHz is the frequency for general aviation air to air communications 123.025 MHz is the frequency for helicopters air to air communications 123.450 MHz is the "unofficial" frequency for air to air communications Search 122.0-123.65 for Unicom (uncontrolled airports) and air to air communications. Search 128.825-132.000 MHz for ARINC frequencies (airlines, corporate aviation and general aviation calling ahead for fuel, parking, and other requests).
A:
Find live frequencies. Memorize some of the basic frequencies.