A new lifeguard, Dawn, joins the team, but blacks out during a swim. Sean gives her another chance to prove herself by challenging her to an underwater breathing contest, during which she has to come to his rescue. However, Sean was merely testing Dawn, who passed his test and he agrees to let her remain on the team. Dawn is reunited with her past love J.D., who declares their relationship is in the past. Mitch reunites with his foster son Tanner, who watches Mitch and Allie rescue 2 women from their overturned canoe. Tanner befriends a suicidal teenage surfer, who plans on taking her life during a suicidal wave ride. Mitch finds the girl and encourages her to be brave about receiving treatment for her diasease. JD tries out for and makes the America's Cup sailing team, but stays at Baywatch because he made a commitment to the team. Jason makes his first successful rescue when he helps a woman caught in a rip.
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.