The Lifeguards

Leigh London, a journalist in New York City, is assigned to report on a tiger cub kept as a pet in a private home. The piece is treated as unworthy serious news, and she breaks down in a confrontation with her boss and her ex-lover. Disillusioned with city life, she resolves to leave and start anew somewhere else.

After the confrontation, Leigh quits her job and leaves New York City without notifying her employer. She seeks a fresh start by returning to her hometown. The decision marks a clear break from her urban life.

Back home, Leigh's mother questions her sudden return while her father welcomes her with warmth. Leigh announces that she plans to stay indefinitely, signaling a permanent shift from her previous life. The homecoming sets the stage for a new chapter away from the city.

Leigh reconnects with two old friends, Todd and Mel, and reveals she has taken a job as the community pool lifeguard. There she meets Jason, the maintenance man's son, who becomes central to her summer. The pool becomes the meeting place where these strands of her life intersect.

Over the next weeks, Leigh grows close to Jason and his best friend Matt, encouraging wild behavior and late nights with the teens. Todd and Mel go along for a while, though Mel's mounting stress foreshadows trouble in her marriage. The trio's evolving dynamic intensifies the summer’s rebellious mood.

Leigh realizes she’s fallen in love with Jason as their relationship deepens. One night, after hours at the pool, they kiss in the bathroom/changing room and the affair becomes a summer romance. The relationship reshapes Leigh’s priorities and future plans.

Leigh convinces Jason to postpone his Vermont departure so they can stay together for the summer. The possibility of leaving town with Matt fades as Leigh’s feelings pull him back. The choice tests the limits of a small town’s expectations.

Todd discovers Leigh and Jason kissing but keeps quiet, unsure how to intervene in the complicated situation. Leigh’s mother presses her to move out, sensing the growing instability. Leigh chooses to stay with Jason, deepening the strain on everyone involved.

Mel learns about the affair and confronts Leigh, vowing to tell Jason’s father. The looming revelation threatens the fragile balance among Leigh, Jason, and their families. Meanwhile, Leigh's cat goes missing, adding a troubling note to the summer.

Mel’s discovery fuels mounting tension as she weighs telling Jason’s father and blowing apart the fragile trust in their circle. The town senses the looming fallout, while Leigh battles conflicting loyalties and her own desires. Secrets simmer just beneath the surface of their summer idyll.

Leigh and Jason search for the missing cat, only to stumble upon Matt’s body hanging in the woods. Matt’s suicide underscores his despair at leaving town and shatters the shimmering summer fantasy. The tragedy crushes Jason and deepens his distress.

Leigh informs Matt’s mother about his death and stays with her, offering comfort until relatives arrive. The emotional burden weighs heavily on Leigh as she tries to support both families. Later, the missing cat is found hiding near her parents’ house, bringing a small quiet moment amid the grief.

At Matt’s funeral, Leigh makes peace with Mel and goes to meet Jason one last time before they both leave. They share an emotional hug that acknowledges deep care, even if a future together isn’t possible. Leigh gives Jason the prize money she won as a journalist, a symbolic gift as they part.

The final scene centers on a postcard from Jason, indicating he still thinks about Leigh, with Matt’s memory also lingering in the background. Leigh and Jason are separated by distance and circumstance, but their connection remains a poignant memory. The postcard closes the film on a note of unresolved longing.