While Swimmers Escaped Violence, Popular Image Depicts Rescuer Running ‘All Out’ In the Direction of the Location.

Alexandra Ching, a lifelong inhabitant of Bondi, has always considered the famous coast as her personal space. On that particular weekend night, she, like many others in the area, noticed loud noises reverberating around the community.

“Everyone did, but I thought it was still too bright and no one could see them,” Ching states. She left her home, she witnessed people “pouring up Bondi Road”. The looks they wore made it clear trouble had occurred.

Positioned on the avenue, talking to a couple who had hurried up the slope still dripping wet, she heard someone approaching from behind. This turned out to be a lifeguard, dashing to Bondi without shoes from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while transporting a medical device.

“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I just saw this flash of blue,” Ching describes. “He was simply racing by. He was the only one running in the path that everyone was trying to flee, carrying that big kit and unshod … He’s running at something that surely every fibre in your being would instruct you to run in the opposite direction.

“Without a second thought, but just completely pedal to the metal running.”

A Symbol of Bravery During Chaos

The image taken by Ching of the lifeguard, since identified as Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as a prime example of instances of valour in the following of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, another beach safety officer, explained that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to assist the other members at Bondi, as well as to aid other rescuers, officers and ambulance crews treating numerous victims.

Local Reaction and Support

Doolan’s actions was just one of many to come out of the local area, with the beach facility next to the location of the incident becoming a makeshift medical station. It was shared that other team members were also seen taking action, including entering the surf to save people needing help.

Following the events, statements of support were shared. A social media message conveyed thanks for the responders who exhibited that “goodness will always conquer hatred”.

The squad of lifeguards issued a statement, saying they were “processing what happened”.

“Thank you all for your thoughtful words and support. We are deeply moved by the kindness directed at our team,” the group stated. “Eventually, we will recount our experiences in the hope that it aids those involved.”

Official Praise

Waverley council, the local authority that employs many permanent beach safety officers, said that the crew performed exceptionally from the moment the incident commenced through to late that night.

“People have shared so many moving accounts, but the viral picture of Jackson Doolan, racing from Tamarama to Bondi with a medical device so he could help assist the injured is extraordinary,” commented a local official.

“These individuals exhibit selflessness every day in keeping our world-famous shores secure for surfers and swimmers, but what we observed on that evening should be commended.

“As we grieve and process the terror of this brutal and barbaric terrorist attack, I think it is crucial that we reflect on just how much positivity we have seen in the presence of such evil.”