When Gayle's job means a transfer to Columbus, Ohio for her, she wants to take Hobie with her. Therefore she has hired a lawyer in order to get the custody of Hobie. When Mitch and Gayle argue, Hobie overhears everything and leaves upset. His friend Jenny has the keys to her dad's boat, so she and Hobie along with their friend Clark head out with the boat. They end up at an island named Santa Ynez.
This long-running series follows the adventures of a team of lifeguards on the crowded beaches of Los Angeles County. Veteran lifeguard Mitch Buchannon watches over the younger lifeguards that come and go with each passing season as they keep the beaches safe for vacationers. Frequently he must take action to save them from the raging seas and from the raging tempers that sometimes flare up between the young guards in this stressful job.