As Sunbathers Ran From Danger, Popular Image Depicts Beach Patrol Dashing ‘All Out’ In the Direction of the Scene.

Alexandra Ching, a lifelong inhabitant of Bondi, describes the renowned beach as her back yard. On that particular Sunday evening, she, like many local residents, heard loud noises ringing out around the neighbourhood.

“That was the initial assumption, but I reasoned it was daylight and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching recounts. Exiting her residence, she observed people “flooding up Bondi Road”. The faces she saw signaled trouble had occurred.

Positioned on the street, speaking to a pair who had hurried up the slope soaked, she heard someone coming up from behind. The person was a beach patrol officer, running at full speed towards Bondi unshod from the adjacent Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while carrying a medical device.

“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I only caught a glimpse of this blur of blue,” she recounts. “He was just flying past. It was just him heading in the path that all the others was trying to flee, and hauling that sizeable pack and without footwear … He was sprinting into something that certainly every fibre in your being would signal you to move in the other direction.

“Just no hesitation, but just fully maximum effort sprinting.”

A Symbol of Bravery Amidst Crisis

The image taken by Ching of the rescuer, since identified as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as a prime example of instances of courage in the wake of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, a second beach safety officer, explained that Doolan, called “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to support the other members at Bondi, as well as to aid emergency personnel, officers and ambulance crews caring for dozens of victims.

Local Response and Assistance

Doolan’s actions was just one of many to emerge from the neighbourhood, with the lifeguard clubhouse adjacent to the scene of the violence transforming into a makeshift hospital. Reports indicate that fellow lifeguards were also seen taking action, for instance entering the ocean to assist people in distress.

Following the attack, comments of support circulated widely. An online statement conveyed gratitude for the lifeguards who demonstrated that “goodness will always conquer darkness”.

The squad of rescuers published a statement, saying they were “coming to terms with what happened”.

“Our thanks go out to all for your supportive words and support. We are deeply moved by the care shown towards our personnel,” the organization wrote. “Eventually, we will recount our experiences in the hope that it aids those affected.”

Council Recognition

Waverley council, the local authority that hires many permanent lifeguards, said that the team performed exceptionally from the second the incident started until late that evening.

“We have heard so many moving narratives, but the widely-circulated photo of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help assist the injured is incredible,” said a council representative.

“These individuals exhibit dedication every day in ensuring our internationally renowned shores protected for surfers and swimmers, but what we saw on Sunday should be celebrated.

“As we grieve and grapple with the terror of this heinous act of violence, I think it is vital that we reflect on just how much good we have observed in the face of such darkness.”