As Beachgoers Fled Attack, Popular Image Shows Rescuer Dashing ‘All Out’ Towards the Location.
Alexandra Ching, a permanent local of Bondi, views the renowned shoreline as her own backyard. On that fateful weekend night, she, along with numerous neighbors, heard loud noises ringing out around the neighbourhood.
“Everyone did, but I thought it was daylight and no one could see them,” Ching recounts. She left her apartment, she saw people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The faces she saw signaled something was wrong.
As she stood on the avenue, conversing with a couple who had run up the incline still dripping wet, she heard someone approaching behind her. This turned out to be a lifeguard, dashing in the direction of Bondi unshod from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – roughly 1.5km – while transporting a medical device.
“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I spotted this streak in blue,” Ching describes. “He was just flying past. He was the only one running in the path that the crowd was trying to flee, and hauling that large equipment and without footwear … He’s running into something that certainly every part of you would signal you to go in the other direction.
“Absolutely no pause, but just completely pedal to the metal racing.”
A Symbol of Heroism In the Wake of Crisis
The photo that Ching snapped of the lifeguard, since identified as Jackson Doolan, was widely shared as among numerous instances of courage in the following of the terror attack.
Andy Reid, another lifeguard, says that Doolan, referred to as “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to support the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to help other rescuers, police and medical teams attending to many the injured.
Local Response and Assistance
Doolan’s actions was part of a broader narrative to be shared by the community, with the lifeguard clubhouse beside the location of the violence transforming into a impromptu medical station. It was shared that other team members were also seen responding bravely, such as rushing into the surf to rescue people in distress.
In the days after the tragedy, statements of support were shared. An online statement expressed thanks for the lifeguards who demonstrated that “goodness will always overcome hatred”.
The team of lifeguards published a communication, saying they were “processing what happened”.
“Our thanks go out to all for your thoughtful words and solidarity. We are overwhelmed by the care for our personnel,” the organization commented. “Eventually, we will recount our experiences in the hope that it aids those involved.”
Official Praise
Waverley council, the governing body that employs many permanent beach safety officers, remarked that the team rose to the occasion from the moment the incident began through to late that evening.
“We have heard so many powerful stories, but the viral image of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help preserve life is incredible,” commented a council representative.
“The team demonstrate dedication every day in ensuring our iconic beaches safe for the public, but what we saw on that day should be highly praised.
“During this time of sorrow and grapple with the terror of this heinous act of violence, I think it is vital that we reflect on just how much light we have observed in the presence of such darkness.”
