Mitch's parents Al and Irene Buchannon, come to visit. Al has never approved of Mitch abandoning is architectural degree. Al wanted Mitch to stay in the family business, but instead, Mitch chose to become a full-time lifeguard. Mitch finds out from his mother that Al is dying of Lymphoma.
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.