Competing Against 'Baywatch'

Aug. 12, 2005 — -- The East Coast is looking to stir the pot at the National Lifeguard Championships this weekend by ending the reign of the West Coast powers who have dominated the event for two decades.

But bringing down "Baywatch" is no easy task.

What's that you say? "Baywatch" is a fictional television show?

Come again? Lifeguarding is a job, not a sport?

It seems we need to take a few steps back.

Yes, lifeguarding is a job that attracts thousands every year, but it also a sport played out on the global field. The competitions that once started out on a local level with practical events designed to keep lifeguards in top condition to make rescues has evolved into a full-fledged sporting event with regional, national and international championships.

This year's competition is being held in Virginia Beach, Va.

And while the characters of "Baywatch" might be the most recognizable "lifeguards" internationally, their real-life inspirations are the same Los Angeles County lifeguards who have dominated the national competition year after year.

"A lot of people don't believe it," said Mitch Kahn, the L.A. County lifeguard who inspired half of the name of the fictional lifeguard character, Mitch Buchanan. "It's pretty weird considering what a huge show that was. It's pretty awesome."

Kahn lifeguarded with Greg Bonan, the creator of "Baywatch," who, according to Kahn, thought Mitch was "a good, beachy name." Buchanan came from the last name of Joe Buchanan, L.A.'s lifeguard supervisor, and Mitch Buchanan's history was based on Phil Topar, a single dad.

The character of Cody was inspired by L.A. guard Craig Hummer, who, despite growing up in the Midwest, remains the only American invited to Australia's Uncle Toby Series, the most competitive lifeguard tournament in the world.

Mitch Kahn is to American lifeguarding what Mitch Buchanan was to "Baywatch:" There would be no show without him.

Kahn has won 41 individual championship titles. While training for lifeguarding competitions -- which consist of running, rowing, swimming and paddling events -- Kahn was noticed by an Olympic kayak coach and subsequently Kahn was named captain of the 1992 U.S. Olympic kayak team in Barcelona, Spain.