Presents a very romanticized vision of lifeguarding, but does touch on some serious health and safety topics. Positive messages about leadership, teamwork, and parenthood.

Some of the plotlines are about criminal behavior, including murder. At least one episode shows a dead body washing ashore. Occasional arguments; some shoving, pushing, and punching. Occasionally, guns are used and/or gunfire is heard. Some of the rescue missions are intense and show people drowning.

Strong sexual innuendo. Kissing, hugging, and making out; sometimes people are shown lying in bed together (no visible nudity). Plenty of shirtless men and skin-revealing bikinis. The show's signature moments include lifeguards running in slow motion during rescues, usually highlighting their bouncing chests.

Language includes words like "damn" and "hell."

Popular Southern California areas are visible, including the Santa Monica Pier. Some motorcycle and car makes like Yamaha and Mercedes-Benz are visible (but not prominently featured). Some of the tunes featured on the show are sung by Hasselhoff.

Visible consumption of beer, wine, and champagne. Irresponsible drunken behavior and drug/alcohol abuse is occasionally shown, but it has negative consequences.