While Swimmers Ran From Danger, Widely-Shared Photo Captures Beach Patrol Dashing ‘All Out’ Towards the Location.
Alexandra Ching, a permanent inhabitant of Bondi, describes the renowned coast as her personal space. On that fateful Sunday evening, she, like many others in the area, detected pops ringing out through the suburb.
“That was the initial assumption, but I reasoned it was too light and no one could see them,” Ching states. She left her apartment, she observed people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The looks they wore told her trouble had occurred.
While standing on the road, speaking to a pair who had rushed up the hill still dripping wet, she noticed someone approaching behind her. The person was a beach patrol officer, sprinting to Bondi barefoot from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while carrying a life-saving kit.
“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I only caught a glimpse of this blur of blue,” she recounts. “He was simply racing by. He was the only one running in the path that all the others was trying to flee, while holding that sizeable pack and without footwear … He was sprinting into something that undoubtedly every fibre in your being would instruct you to move in the other direction.
“Just no hesitation, but just completely full throttle running.”
A Symbol of Courage During Crisis
The photo Ching captured of the lifeguard, since identified as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as one of many moments of valour in the wake of the terror attack.
Andy Reid, another lifeguard, says that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to back up the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to help other rescuers, police and medical teams attending to many the injured.
Collective Response and Assistance
Doolan’s account was part of a broader narrative to emerge from the neighbourhood, with the patrol base next to the site of the violence transforming into a impromptu medical station. Reports indicate that other team members were also seen helping out, including entering the surf to save people needing help.
In the days after the events, statements of appreciation flooded in. An online statement conveyed gratitude for the responders who showed that “kindness will always conquer hatred”.
The group of rescuers later shared a statement, noting they were “coming to terms with what happened”.
“Thank you all for your kind messages and encouragement. We are deeply moved by the compassion for our responders,” the organization stated. “In time, we will recount our experiences in the belief that it helps those involved.”
Local Government Recognition
Waverley council, the governing body that employs many permanent lifeguards, remarked that the staff performed exceptionally from the moment the shooting began through to late that evening.
“We have heard so many emotional narratives, but the viral image of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a medical device so he could help save lives is incredible,” stated a mayor.
“The team demonstrate altruism every day in ensuring our iconic coastlines safe for surfers and swimmers, but what we saw on that day should be commended.
“During this time of sorrow and grapple with the horror of this brutal and barbaric tragedy, I think it is crucial that we reflect on just how much positivity we have seen in the presence of such hatred.”