As Beachgoers Escaped Attack, Viral Image Captures Beach Patrol Sprinting ‘Pedal to the Metal’ In the Direction of the Scene.
Alexandra Ching, a lifelong inhabitant of Bondi, describes the famous beach as her personal space. On that fateful Sunday evening, she, like many neighbors, detected cracking sounds reverberating across the suburb.
“Everyone did, but I reasoned it was still too bright and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching recounts. She left her home, she saw people “flooding up Bondi Road”. The faces they wore signaled something was wrong.
As she stood on the road, speaking to a couple who had rushed up the slope in their swimwear, she noticed someone approaching from behind. This turned out to be a rescuer, running at full speed towards Bondi unshod from the adjacent Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while transporting a defibrillator.
“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I spotted this streak in blue,” Ching describes. “He was just flying past. It was just him running in the direction that everyone was trying to flee, while holding that sizeable pack and barefoot … He’s running into something that surely every fibre in your being would tell you to go in the other direction.
“Just no hesitation, but just completely full throttle racing.”
An Iconic Image of Heroism During Chaos
The photo Ching captured of the rescuer, since identified as Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as a prime example of moments of valour in the following of the terror attack.
Andy Reid, another lifeguard, noted that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to assist the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to help other rescuers, law enforcement and medical teams caring for dozens of those hurt.
Collective Response and Support
Doolan’s actions was part of a broader narrative to emerge from the neighbourhood, with the lifeguard clubhouse adjacent to the site of the violence becoming a makeshift hospital. Reports indicate that other team members were also seen responding bravely, such as entering the ocean to save people needing help.
After the attack, messages of support circulated widely. An online statement expressed gratitude for the responders who showed that “kindness will always triumph over evil”.
The team of lifeguards published a message, explaining they were “coming to terms with what occurred”.
“Our thanks go out to all for your thoughtful words and support. We are overwhelmed by the compassion directed at our team,” the team wrote. “When ready, we will share our stories in the aim that it supports those affected.”
Council Commendation
Waverley council, the governing body that oversees many permanent lifeguards, remarked that the crew rose to the occasion from the moment the shooting began right into late that night.
“We have heard so many emotional narratives, but the viral image of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a defibrillator so he could help preserve life is incredible,” commented a local official.
“Our lifeguards show dedication every day in keeping our world-famous coastlines secure for surfers and swimmers, but what we observed on that day should be commended.
“While we mourn and come to terms with the horror of this violent and horrific tragedy, I think it is crucial that we consider just how much good we have observed in the midst of such evil.”