
Lt. Mitch Buchannon is the dedicated leader of a group of lifeguards at Malibu Beach in Los Angeles. Although this prime-time soap opera features a lot of sand, sun and bikinis, it also tackles many serious themes and features multifaceted characters. "Baywatch" is known for using slow motion when the lifeguards are running.

Donna's (Donna D'Errico) appearance in Playboy causes problems for Mitch (David Hasselhoff); an earthquake traps a junior lifeguard.

A pollution problem in the bay hits home when Mitch becomes deathly ill during a practice swim for an Ironman competition.

Mitch has a busy day rescuing an injured swimmer and dealing with an editor who wants to feature him in her magazine; Stephanie and Tom's wedding gets moved up.

Mitch and Neely join newlyweds Stephanie and Tom on a schooner for an adventure cruise that turns tragic when a hurricane hits.