Greg Bonann Keynote Speaker

Co-creator & EP of BAYWATCH (12 seasons, 289 episodes)
1B+ weekly viewers across 140 countries in 33 languages
LA County Lifeguard since 1970; Medal of Valor recipient (1989)

Greg Bonann's Biography

Greg Bonann co-created what is known as one of the world’s most popular television series. After 12 years of production, BAYWATCH was seen in 140 countries on 6 continents in 33 languages by over one billion viewers each week. It’s 12 seasons and 289 episodes make it one of the longest running shows in television history. Bonann has Executive Produced and created over 600 hours of drama television including six series. He is considered one of the most experienced and capable directors of surface-water and under-water action sequences in television.

The winner of eight prestigious directing awards, Bonann has directed over 120 hours of dramatic television as well as 450 of his signature music videos and montages. He made his directorial debut with a series of Olympic Games documentaries that he produced for the United States Olympic Committee. The Winter Games of 1980 in Lake Placid, the 1984 Winter and Summer Games in Sarajevo and Los Angeles and the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary have all been recognized worldwide as among the best sports films of their time.

Bonann’s other passion has always been the beach. As soon as he was old enough, he focused his efforts on qualifying to join the elite team of men and women who make up the Los Angeles County Lifeguards. His dream came true in 1970 and he has been a dedicated lifeguard ever since, still working weekends, holidays and whenever his schedule permits. He will soon embark on his 14th year as a Jr. Lifeguard Instructor at Zuma Beach in Malibu, CA. This coming summer will be his 57th as an LA County Beach Lifeguard – one of the longest tenured lifeguards in County history.

In 1989, he was awarded the Medal of Valor, the most prestigious award given for bravery. Other honors include: The Gold Medallion Award presented by the International Swimming Hall of Fame, the Title of Commander in the Order of Lifesaving presented by the Belgian Life Saving Federation, and decorated as a Knight in the Order of Lifesaving by the International Life Saving Federation.

Bonann is the co-founder and President of “A Chance For Children Foundation,” a non-profit charity to benefit homeless and at-risk children. The year round foundation offers summer camps, after school programs, college scholarships, and a variety of on-going community activities.

How do I fit into your brand and your clients needs:

I am a working ocean lifeguard with 56 years of continuous service. Co-creator/showrunner of the most-watched series in global TV history. Rebooting the “Baywatch brand” in 2026 with hard-earned wisdom. A rescuer whose life story includes life-and-death stakes. A storyteller whose work has influenced culture, public safety, and multiple generations.

My values match what you clients may value:

Leadership under pressure.
Resilience & failure as fuel, (“failures are my trophies”)
Teamwork, courage & service through lifeguarding.
Creativity, global storytelling & building a hit from nothing.
Legacy, impact & purpose (A Chance for Children Foundation, Mentorship, Junior Lifeguards, etc.)

My story includes:

My Lifeguard Identity is first and foremost.
My rescue in 1978 of two children that opened the door to a 10year effort to create a show about Beach Lifeguards.
My rescue in 1989 of a drowning boy in Venice that authentically validated the mission of every lifeguard: follow your training and never give up.
The global rise of “Baywatch” to over 1 Billion weekly viewers.
The 20 year effort to reboot the series.
My philosophy: failures are my trophies

What I would like to speak about:

Resilience & leadership under fire.
Turning failure into momentum.
Creative perseverance & world-building.
Service, courage & the lifeguard ethos.
Mentorship, purpose & giving young people a chance.

My goals:

Why am I speaking now?

I love to tell stories that build the confidence of others.

What I hope that audiences walk away with?

Inspiration, Aspiration, and the first few steps towards their dreams.

How should I be positioned?

Someone who has experienced failure over and over again but found the means, support and inspiration to keep going.

He co-created and executive produced Baywatch, building a global entertainment phenomenon that shows leaders how to scale a simple idea into enduring cultural reach.
He has created and executive produced more than 600 hours of drama television across multiple series, translating creative vision into repeatable systems for high-volume, high-stakes delivery.
He is an award-winning director and a specialist in surface-water and underwater action, offering practical insight into risk management, coordination, and decision-making when there is no margin for error.
He has served as a Los Angeles County Beach Lifeguard for more than five decades and is a Medal of Valor recipient, bringing real-world credibility on leadership, courage, and performance under pressure.
HHe co-founded and leads A Chance For Children Foundation, connecting storytelling and influence to measurable community impact for homeless and at-risk children.