On the set of Fox ‘s upcoming lifeguard procedural Rescue: HI-Surf , there are no divas. Except, perhaps, the Pacific Ocean itself. The series was filmed exactly where it takes place, on the North Shore of O’ahu, which is considered the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world.
Production delays for weather, sharks, whales, and even beachgoers in need of rescue were quite common, explained executive producer John Wells . “We are constantly adjusting to what we actually get,” Wells said following an industry screening of the premiere episode in Los Angeles. “The actors regularly have to be prepared for one thing, and then it looks a little bit different, and we have to go this way, or the oceans flow is that way, or we have a whale that shows up, which is problematic.
” Since the series follows the personal and professional lives of the lifeguards, Wells and showrunner Matt Kester wanted the audience to be in on the action of saving lives in such a difficult and often life-threatening environment, instead of watching from the shoreline. That meant the cast and crew had to be, as well. Series regulars were required to complete lifeguard training courtesy of renowned waterman Brian Keaulana, and even many of the background actors were real-life lifeguards.
Patrolling the North Shore beaches in emergency services gear also often led to the show’s cast and crew getting involved in actual water rescues. “You can’t be out on the water and see some.