Lifeguard

Lifeguard

Year: 1976

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Daniel Petrie

Drama

A dedicated lifeguard in Southern California finds his life unexpectedly complicated when he encounters his former love, now a single mother, at their high school reunion. Reconnecting sparks renewed feelings, but also triggers an identity crisis. He struggles to reconcile his passion for saving lives with the allure of a more conventional, corporate career path, questioning what truly defines his purpose.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Lifeguard (1976)

Trace every key event in Lifeguard (1976) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Summer begins for Rick the 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.

Summer, early Southern California beach lifeguard station
2

Wendy enters Rick's routine

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.

Summer Beach lifeguard station
3

A forbidden night

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.

During summer Lifeguard tower
4

Invitation to the reunion

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.

Pre-reunion Rick's apartment
5

Reunion night surprise

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.

Evening of reunion Rick's apartment
6

Reunion and Cathy rekindled

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.

Night of reunion Reunion venue
7

Athletic test and career contrast

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.

Day after reunion Beach
8

Porsche interview

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.

Late summer Porsche dealership
9

Wendy's confrontation and decision

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.

A few days later Beach
10

Wendy's danger and rescue

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.

Shortly after the breakup talk Beach shoreline
11

Cathy and Rick discuss the incident

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.

Following the rescue incident Art gallery
12

Larry's Porsche offer and Rick's decision

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'.

Late summer Beach / Porsche showroom
13

Chris thanks Rick

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.

Last day of summer Beach
14

Final twist in the changing room

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.

End of summer Beach changing room

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:36

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Lifeguard

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