When Sunbathers Fled Attack, Popular Picture Captures Rescuer Running ‘Full Speed’ To the Scene.
Alexandra Ching, a permanent resident of Bondi, describes the renowned beach as her back yard. On that particular weekend evening, she, similar to other neighbors, heard cracking sounds reverberating across the community.
“Everyone did, but I thought it was still too bright and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching recounts. She left her apartment, she observed people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The faces on display made it clear a crisis was unfolding.
As she stood on the street, speaking to a couple who had rushed up the hill in their swimwear, she became aware of someone approaching at her rear. The person was a beach patrol officer, sprinting towards Bondi unshod from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while holding a medical device.
“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I spotted this flash of blue,” Ching describes. “He was zooming past. He was the only one moving in the opposite way that everyone was trying to get away from, and hauling that big kit and barefoot … He was sprinting towards something that surely every instinct would signal you to go in the reverse way.
“Absolutely no pause, but just completely pedal to the metal sprinting.”
A Powerful Moment of Heroism Amidst Chaos
The photo that Ching snapped of the lifeguard, now known to be Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as among numerous acts of valour in the wake of the violent incident.
Andy Reid, a fellow beach safety officer, explained that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to back up the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to help other rescuers, officers and ambulance crews caring for dozens of victims.
Local Outpouring and Solidarity
Doolan’s actions was a single example among several to be shared by the neighbourhood, with the lifeguard clubhouse adjacent to the scene of the attack becoming a impromptu medical station. Accounts show that fellow lifeguards were also seen responding bravely, such as going into the water to save people in distress.
After the events, statements of appreciation were shared. An online statement expressed appreciation for the responders who demonstrated that “compassion will always overcome darkness”.
The squad of lifeguards later shared a communication, saying they were “still trying to comprehend what occurred”.
“Our thanks go out to all for your supportive messages and support. We are deeply moved by the compassion shown towards our personnel,” the organization wrote. “When ready, we will tell our tales in the aim that it helps those affected.”
Official Commendation
Waverley council, the governing body that employs many permanent lifeguards, remarked that the staff performed exceptionally from the instant the violence commenced through to late that night.
“People have shared so many moving narratives, but the viral image of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a medical device so he could help preserve life is remarkable,” said a local official.
“The team exhibit altruism every day in ensuring our internationally renowned shores protected for visitors, but what we observed on Sunday should be celebrated.
“During this time of sorrow and grapple with the terror of this violent and horrific terrorist attack, I think it is important that we consider just how much good we have seen in the face of such evil.”
