Diablo Cove is one of the most popular surfing areas in Los Angeles. But unfortunately because of a storm drain, the water has been polluted and by that endangered the health of those surfing there. Cody and Neely take water samples there and discover dangerous levels of E Coli bacteria. But two teenagers named Stick and Daryl surf there anyway. When one of them gets sick and must be rescued by Cody and Neely, they discover that his back is completely covered with nasty rashes. After that, the lifeguards close the beach.
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.