Welcome to a very special episode on the Lifeguard Project podcast. Today, we get to sit down with Greg Bonann, the creator and producer of Baywatch. At its peak, Baywatch became the most-watched television show in the world, airing in over 140 countries and reaching more than a billion viewers each week.

Today, Greg shares his journey from his early start as a kid facing challenges to his first rescues as an LA County lifeguard. Moments that shaped his purpose long before Hollywood came calling. And now 30 years later, Baywatch is returning in 2026 with Greg once again leading the charge, bringing in a new vision, while staying true to the show's roots of courage, community, and rescue.

00:00 Introduction to Greg Bonann and Baywatch

01:13 Greg's Early Life and Challenges

04:04 High School Swimming and Lifeguarding Beginnings

09:13 Mentorship and Lifeguard Training

21:18 The Lifeguard Brotherhood and Early Experiences

28:30 The Birth of a Storyteller

31:51 The Rescue That Sparked Baywatch

42:32 A Desperate Rescue

43:04 The Struggle to Save a Life

45:10 A Happy Ending and Reflections

46:18 The Frustration of Storytelling

46:52 Baywatch's Early Challenges

48:18 The Lifeguard's Journey

51:40 Junior Lifeguard Program

59:03 The Road to Red

01:06:27 The Importance of Mentorship

01:10:29 Baywatch's Global Impact

01:23:21 Pam's Underwater Training

01:23:53 Lifeguard Training and Challenges

01:25:06 Baywatch's Impact and Recognition

01:27:22 Authenticity in Lifeguard Representation

01:30:37 Challenges in TV Production

01:33:50 Baywatch's Legacy and Future

01:45:46 Personal Reflections and Future Goals

Read More About Greg Here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_J._Bonann

Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:

https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/

https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/

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Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:

https://www.bogdogphoto.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/

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