Ka'enaaloha Watson

Higgins' therapist hires her to look into why one of her teenage patients died of suicide.

Following the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu, Captain Harlan “Sonny” Jennings (Robbie Magasiva) and his core team of lifeguards —lieutenant Em Wright (Arielle Kebbel), and veteran lifeguards Will Ready (Adam Demos) and Laka Hanohano (Kekoa Kekumano) monitor the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. In the series premiere episode two rookie lifeguards, Hina Alexander (Zoe Cipres) and Kainalu Emerson (Alex Aiono) try out for a position on the team, as Sonny and his family are still grieving the loss of his nephew Zion and a romantic past is revealed between Em and a now engaged Will.

When a flash flood sweeps a young tourist away from her family and out to deep sea, Sonny, Em, and Will race into action to save her. Going against Sonny’s wishes, Em takes a bold risk, placing her own life in danger. Laka supervises rookies Kainalu and Hina’s first day on the job.

The swell has settled down, and the North Shore community comes together for Rocky’s paddle out. Hina thinks about switching districts and Em tries to console her after the recent tragedy. Meanwhile, Laka, Will and Kainalu try to save a beachgoer that accidentally spears his own foot while fishing. Romance heats up between Sean and Em, and Sonny takes a personal day to go on a motorcross ride to clear his head but ends up losing control.

The lifeguards of the North Shore experience the most dangerous ocean conditions the district has seen in years. Sonny assigns Laka as acting lieutenant as Em has the day off and joins Jenn to catch some massive waves. Meanwhile, Kainalu's father pressures him to leave his shift and help him with his campaign over patrolling the beaches. Hina thinks she is ready to back-up the rescue skis, and Laka and Will almost make it through the day when a fight breaks out among locals. Emotions reach a boiling point for Sonny when he experiences another loss.

Captain Sonny, Laka, and Kainalu race to rescue unresponsive cliff jumpers. Hina tries to navigate family issues. Meanwhile, Will and Em hope to get over each other by rebounding with other people.