Ep 19. Shark Derby

In Baywatch season 1 episode 19 titled "Shark Derby," the team at Baywatch, led by Lieutenant Mitch Buchannon, has to deal with a shark problem. A group of fishermen has organized the "Shark Derby," a competition in which participants compete to catch and kill the largest number of sharks. This puts both humans and sharks at risk as they are forced to interact in close proximity.

Mitch and his team, including rookie lifeguard Shauni McClain, initially attempt to persuade the fishermen to cancel the derby for safety reasons. However, the fishermen refuse to budge, citing the large sum of prize money as their motivation for continuing with the event.

As a result, the Baywatch team shifts their focus to ensuring the safety of participants and bystanders during the derby. They begin by installing a large safety net around the derby area in an attempt to keep the sharks at bay. Mitch also trains his team on how to administer first aid to any injured individuals.

Despite the safety measures put in place, one of the participants, a young boy, is attacked by a shark during the derby. The Baywatch team responds quickly to rescue the boy and administer first aid.

Meanwhile, Mitch discovers that the root cause of the shark problem is the El Niño weather phenomenon. The abnormally high water temperature has brought an influx of sharks to the area, causing them to behave more aggressively.

With this knowledge, Mitch and his team devise a plan to herd the sharks away from the derby area and back to their natural habitat. This involves utilizing a large boat to herd the sharks and using sound waves to deter them from approaching swimmers and boaters.

The plan is successful, and the sharks are safely herded away from the derby area. Mitch and his team reprimand the fishermen for their irresponsible behavior and vow to continue their efforts in protecting both humans and marine life.

Overall, Baywatch season 1 episode 19 highlights the importance of respecting nature and the potential danger that comes with ignoring it. It also showcases the teamwork and quick thinking required to handle unexpected crises at the beach.