While Beachgoers Ran From Violence, Popular Picture Depicts Beach Patrol Sprinting ‘Full Speed’ To the Scene.
Alexandra Ching, someone who has spent her entire life as local of Bondi, views the renowned beach as her back yard. On that particular weekend evening, she, like many others in the area, noticed loud noises reverberating through the suburb.
“That was the initial assumption, but I considered it was too light and no one could see them,” Ching states. She left her home, she observed people “streaming up Bondi Road”. Their expressions she saw signaled something was wrong.
Positioned on the street, speaking to a couple who had run up the slope soaked, she heard someone coming up at her rear. It was a lifeguard, running at full speed to Bondi without shoes from the nearby Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while holding a life-saving kit.
“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I only caught a glimpse of this blur of blue,” Ching describes. “He was just flying past. It was just him running in the direction that everyone was trying to get away from, and hauling that big kit and without footwear … He moved into something that surely every part of you would signal you to move in the reverse way.
“Absolutely no pause, but just totally maximum effort racing.”
A Symbol of Courage During Chaos
The photo that Ching snapped of the rescuer, since identified as Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as one of many acts of courage in the following of the terror attack.
Andy Reid, another beach safety officer, noted that Doolan, referred to as “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to back up the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to aid emergency personnel, officers and paramedics caring for dozens of the injured.
Local Response and Assistance
Doolan’s story was part of a broader narrative to emerge from the community, with the lifeguard clubhouse beside the scene of the incident becoming a makeshift medical station. Reports indicate that other team members were also seen taking action, for instance rushing into the ocean to save people in distress.
In the days after the attack, statements of support were shared. An online statement conveyed appreciation for the lifeguards who exhibited that “goodness will always conquer hatred”.
The squad of beach patrol published a communication, noting they were “processing what transpired”.
“We are grateful all for your thoughtful sentiments and encouragement. We are overwhelmed by the compassion shown towards our responders,” the team commented. “When ready, we will recount our experiences in the aim that it helps those impacted.”
Council Praise
Waverley council, the governing body that employs many full-time lifeguards, remarked that the team performed exceptionally from the instant the shooting began through to late that nighttime.
“People have shared so many emotional accounts, but the viral photo of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help assist the injured is incredible,” stated a mayor.
“The team demonstrate dedication every day in maintaining the safety of our internationally renowned beaches protected for surfers and swimmers, but what we witnessed on Sunday should be highly praised.
“While we mourn and come to terms with the terror of this violent and horrific terrorist attack, I think it is crucial that we reflect on just how much light we have witnessed in the midst of such darkness.”
