Lifeguard

Rick Carlson, a 32-year-old career lifeguard in Southern California, enjoys a commitment-free life of casual relationships. He trains Chris Randolph, a college student and weekend assistant, as the summer season unfolds. The rhythm of sun and surf frames his ordinary world as he avoids deep commitments.

Wendy, a 17-year-old girl who has moved to the area, develops a fixation on Rick. Rick is wary due to her age but maintains a friendly boundary as she persists in pursuing him. He continues to carry out his duties while her advances grow more persistent.

Wendy pressures Rick and he ultimately gives in, and they have sex in the lifeguard tower. The age difference and propriety concerns loom over their affair. Rick's boundaries begin to blur under the weight of longing and risk.

Rick receives an invitation to his 15-year high school reunion and decides to go, hoping to reconnect with Cathy. He weighs the lure of an old flame against his current life as a lifeguard and mentor to Chris. The invitation marks a potential turning point.

Wendy unexpectedly appears at Rick's apartment door on reunion night, revealing her continued presence and surprising him with the age gap. She makes it clear she understands the complications between them. The moment deepens Rick's internal conflict about their relationship.

At the reunion, Rick reconnects with Cathy, his high school flame who now works at an art gallery and has a young son. Their old chemistry resurfaces, and they begin to rekindle their relationship. The possibility of a more permanent life with Cathy becomes tangible.

The next day Rick and Chris compete in the annual lifeguard relay, but Rick is outpaced by younger competitors. The result underscores Rick's aging and the pressure to change his life trajectory. It foreshadows shifts in his future priorities.

Rick interviews at the Porsche dealership, and his seriousness about his lifeguard duties impresses Mr. Gilmore and the dealership team. The scene hints at a possible shift toward a more upwardly mobile career path. Rick weighs this against his current commitments.

Wendy returns to the beach asking when they will be intimate again. Rick tells her that what they’re doing is illegal and suggests she seek someone closer to her own age. He also admits that he is involved with someone else, trying to ease her distress with honesty.

Days later Rick sees Wendy swimming away and bravely goes to rescue her. He brings her to shore and walks her to her car, reassuring her that she will begin making friends when school starts. The moment deepens Rick's sense of responsibility for her wellbeing.

Rick visits Cathy at the art gallery to tell her about the Wendy incident. Cathy comforts him and invites him to move in with her, but a demanding male client and Rick's offhand outburst jeopardize her standing. He apologizes and contemplates the living arrangement.

With summer winding down, Larry offers Rick a job selling Porsches. Rick declines, knowing it could end his relationship with Cathy. He resolves to remain a lifeguard 'as long as they'll have me'.

On his last day as Chris's assistant, the younger man thanks Rick for everything he taught him. The mentorship ends as the season closes, marking a bittersweet transition. Rick reflects on the impact of his guidance as summer ends.

Rick is summoned to the beach changing room where a hysterical woman claims there is a man inside. A man inside the room says he is an undercover police officer working surveillance, but he does not have a badge. Rick leaves unsettled by the ambiguous and tense scene at the end of summer.