
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.

An attractive woman and her plain sister vie for Mitch's affections; Matt confronts his fear of sharks.

Mitch dates an investigative reporter whose story about an international government conspiracy has put her life in danger.

The lifeguards help country music star Jessie Lee Harris (guest star Ricky Van Shelton) locate his estranged wife and son (guest stars Kassie Wesley, Brady Bluhm). Martina McBride also guest stars.

As Mitch deals with budget cuts that could take lifeguards off the beach, Matt and Summer save a young couple from drowning.