Next Generation

As the new Lifeguard candidates prepare for the rigorous Rookie School training, Hobie’s friend Manny, disqualified on a technicality because of his eyesight, returns to the barrio of his youth. A bleak future awaits him if he can’t find a way to make his dream of becoming a County Lifeguard come true. Mitch argues with the Chief that the regulations against contact lenses that kept Manny out of rookie School are out of date and unfair. She agrees to consider his recommendation – if Mitch agrees to reconsider turning down his promotion to Captain. She insists that Baywatch needs his leadership.

Out on a practice swim, Rookie Lifeguards April, Skylar and Lani run into a wild jetskier who circles them maliciously. The tether of April’s rescue can tangles on the jetski intake and April is dragged through the water, struggling to breathe. When the jetskier stops abruptly, her momentum carries her forward and she hits her head on the jetski. While the jetskier gets away, Lani and Skylar help April out of the water. April makes her friends promise not to tell anyone what happened. The next day, April is dizzy during training exercises. Climbing the cargo net on the obstacle course, she faints and falls backwards into the water, her foot tangling in the net. As she dangles upsidedown, head underwater, Hobie leaps to the rescue. Later, when out on watercraft, the rookies spot the culprit. Cody and Newman chase the guy down, only to discover that it’s Richie, the Lifeguard reject from a previous episode.

Manny returns to Baywatch to apologize to Mitch for losing his temper, and to ask if Mitch will help him get the job lifeguarding at the nearby beach club. Manny has decided to put off college and work full time to earn the money for the laser surgery he needs to qualify as a County Lifeguard. He knows he belongs at Baywatch, and is willing to do whatever it takes to earn his place there. Touched and impressed by Manny’s commitment, Mitch arranges for him to be let back into Rookie School in time for the qualifying race, The Gauntlet.

Inspired by the young Rookies, Mitch wistfully recalls his own Rookie Summer, 25 years ago, and his youthful affair with Betsy Wexler (Sonia Satra). Betsy was a fellow rookie he met on the pier every night after work, until she left for college without saying goodbye and he never saw her again. When Betsy unexpectedly returns, is seems too good to be true. In fact, Mitch soon learns that Betsy is married with a family. She wanted to see him in order to finally have the farewell they missed 25 years ago.

The running of the final Gauntlet will determine which of the Rookies get hired as Lifeguards, as well as deciding the coveted slot of Rookie of the Year. The top finisher will get to choose his or her own beach assignment. In a tight race, Hobie edges out Manny for the top honors. He chooses to be assigned to Zuma Beach, wanting to get out from under the shadow of his famous father. However, Mitch has finally decided to become Captain, which means Zuma Beach will now fall under his jurisdiction as well. He warns Hobie good-naturedly that he’s going to be looking over his shoulder every day for the rest of Hobie’s life.

Michael Berk
Executive Producer