Mitch convinces Kaye to write a piece about the San Dimas Pier in her new paper The Venice Voice. The structure is condemned and foolish surfers lie to challenge each other to "shoot the pier". However, no one wants to pay for the pier's demolition. But Kaye is persuaded by her father Ellis Morgan to hold off on the story. Her father's law firm is representing the owners of the pier.
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.