An investigative reporter named Catherine Larsen is working on a story she has named "The Falcon Manifesto". The story details the sale of U.S. military technology to foreign governments by Edward Falcon. Because of her story, Falcon has put a contract on her life and the NBI wants to put her into their protective custody. But Catherine trusts no one and heads of to Catalina where she hides the manifesto in an old sofa.
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.