Television crews are wrapping up production next week on a cable reality show that showcases the city's lifeguards.

"Beach Patrol: Honolulu," which airs on Court TV, has been in town since March filming lifeguards at various beaches including Waikiki, Sandy Beach, Hanauma Bay and Makapu'u.

The show, in its fourth season, will air nine episodes filmed in Hawai'i in July.

Producers couldn't say yet what the Hawai'i season will show. But they do promise a lot of action, both on the beach and in the ocean.

About two dozen crew members have followed around O'ahu lifeguards seven days a week, filming everything from medical calls to rescues to the memorial service for legendary crooner Don Ho in Waikiki.

"If they're working, we're working," said Sue Seide, co-executive producer of "Beach Patrol," who was in Hawai'i for the entire shoot. "You don't realize the professionalism and intensity of what they do. ... It's tremendous."

In the two months of filming, crews captured lifeguards pulling an older man who suffered an apparent heart attack from the water to treating victims of box jellyfish stings yesterday.

"It's interesting how severe the ocean is," said Douglas Ross, the show's executive producer and founder of Evolution Film & Tape Inc. "It's glorious, it's beautiful, but it's really scary and dangerous. ... These lifeguards are really putting their lives on the line every day to keep people safe."

Honolulu is the third city to be featured in this reality TV program. "Beach Patrol" has filmed in San Diego and Miami Beach.

The city was approached earlier this year by Evolution Film & Tape Inc. In exchange for permission to film, the production company agreed to donate some much-needed equipment such as a public address system for some of the towers, all-terrain vehicles and storage space to the city's Ocean Safety Division.

"We realized the potential for national exposure and the opportunity to tell our story," said Ralph Goto, administrator of the city's Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services. "One of the biggest objectives is to let the public know what (lifeguards) do, that they don't just sit in the towers all day."

Court TV first aired "Beach Patrol" in 2005, featuring lifeguards in San Diego. It followed up with a season in Miami Beach.

The show's popularity caught on, reaching men and women in the coveted 20- to 40-year range, Ross said.

"Most people don't have a clue as to what lifeguards really do," Ross said. "And when you see the pressure they're under and the professionalism with which they attack every situation, that's another reason why the show is exciting."

Hawai'i was selected based on its beaches and the number of rescues and incidents that take place.

There were more than 1,500 rescues statewide and nearly 70 ocean deaths in 2005, the most recent statistics.

Rip currents, pounding surf and sharks are just some of the dangers beachgoers face in Hawai'i.

The network will consider additional seasons in Hawai'i, depending on ratings and viewer interest, Ross said.

Goto hopes the show will stress the importance of ocean safety and raise awareness about the role of lifeguards, many of whom are medically trained.

"People are going to be able to see lifeguards as a profession," Goto said, "not just something you do in the summer."

Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.