As Sunbathers Escaped Attack, Widely-Shared Photo Captures Lifeguard Sprinting ‘All Out’ To the Site.
Alexandra Ching, a lifelong local of Bondi, has always considered the famous coast as her personal space. On that particular weekend evening, she, along with numerous local residents, detected pops echoing through the community.
“That was the initial assumption, but I considered it was too light and you couldn't spot any lights,” she explains. Stepping out of her home, she observed people “flooding up Bondi Road”. The faces on display told her trouble had occurred.
While standing on the street, speaking to a duo who had hurried up the slope soaked, she became aware of someone approaching from behind. It was a rescuer, sprinting towards Bondi without shoes from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while carrying a medical device.
“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I spotted this blur of blue,” she recalls. “He was simply racing by. It was just him running in the direction that the crowd was trying to flee, carrying that sizeable pack and barefoot … He’s running into something that certainly every part of you would tell you to run in the other direction.
“Without a second thought, but just totally maximum effort sprinting.”
An Iconic Image of Bravery During Crisis
The photo Ching captured of the rescuer, now known to be Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as a prime example of instances of valour in the aftermath of the violent incident.
Andy Reid, a second beach safety officer, says that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to back up the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to aid emergency personnel, police and paramedics caring for numerous victims.
Community Outpouring and Assistance
Doolan’s account was part of a broader narrative to be shared by the community, with the patrol base next to the scene of the incident serving as a impromptu medical station. Reports indicate that other team members were also seen taking action, such as entering the water to rescue people who were struggling.
Following the tragedy, statements of support flooded in. An online statement conveyed gratitude for the individuals who showed that “compassion will always triumph over evil”.
The squad of lifeguards published a message, saying they were “processing what transpired”.
“Our thanks go out to all for your supportive words and encouragement. We are deeply moved by the care for our team,” the group commented. “When ready, we will share our stories in the aim that it aids those involved.”
Council Commendation
Waverley council, the local authority that oversees many full-time beach safety officers, stated that the staff performed exceptionally from the moment the shooting commenced through to late that evening.
“We have heard so many powerful stories, but the widely-circulated picture of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help save lives is extraordinary,” commented a local official.
“Our lifeguards exhibit dedication every day in keeping our iconic coastlines safe for the public, but what we observed on that day should be commended.
“As we grieve and process the horror of this brutal and barbaric terrorist attack, I think it is important that we consider just how much good we have observed in the midst of such hatred.”