Hobie Buchannon has followed in the footsteps of his legendary father, Mitch, and is now the captain of the elite lifeguard unit on the coast of Southern California. His stable life is turned completely upside down when Charlie Vale, his biological daughter of unknown existence, unexpectedly shows up on his doorstep. Charlie wants to continue the family tradition and claims a coveted spot on the tough Baywatch rescue team. She makes it immediately clear that she is not looking for money or a father figure, but simply a job. Although Hobie is eager to bond with her, he is deeply concerned about the immense risks of the job.