While Sunbathers Ran From Violence, Popular Image Captures Beach Patrol Dashing ‘Pedal to the Metal’ Towards the Site.
Alexandra Ching, a lifelong resident of Bondi, describes the iconic beach as her own backyard. On that particular Sunday evening, she, like many local residents, heard loud noises ringing out around the suburb.
“Everyone did, but I considered it was still too bright and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching recounts. Stepping out of her home, she saw people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The looks on display signaled a crisis was unfolding.
Positioned on the road, speaking to a pair who had rushed up the incline soaked, she noticed someone moving up behind her. The person was a lifeguard, dashing in the direction of Bondi without shoes from the nearby Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while transporting a medical device.
“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I just saw this blur of blue,” she recalls. “He was zooming past. It was just him moving in the opposite way that everyone was trying to flee, while holding that big kit and unshod … He was sprinting towards something that surely every instinct would tell you to go in the reverse way.
“Just no hesitation, but just completely full throttle running.”
A Powerful Moment of Bravery Amidst Chaos
The photograph taken by Ching of the lifeguard, later named as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as one of many instances of valour in the wake of the violent incident.
Andy Reid, a fellow beach safety officer, says that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to assist the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to help emergency personnel, officers and paramedics treating many those hurt.
Local Outpouring and Support
Doolan’s actions was just one of many to be shared by the local area, with the patrol base adjacent to the location of the violence transforming into a impromptu medical station. Reports indicate that fellow lifeguards were also seen taking action, including entering the water to rescue people needing help.
Following the events, messages of appreciation circulated widely. One post conveyed thanks for the individuals who showed that “goodness will always triumph over darkness”.
The team of lifeguards later shared a statement, noting they were “still trying to comprehend what occurred”.
“Thank you all for your thoughtful messages and encouragement. We are overwhelmed by the compassion shown towards our responders,” the group wrote. “Eventually, we will share our stories in the aim that it supports those involved.”
Council Praise
Waverley council, the governing body that hires many full-time beach safety officers, remarked that the crew acted heroically from the instant the incident started right into late that nighttime.
“People have shared so many moving stories, but the viral picture of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help save lives is remarkable,” stated a mayor.
“These individuals show selflessness every day in ensuring our internationally renowned beaches safe for the public, but what we saw on that evening should be commended.
“As we grieve and process the terror of this violent and horrific terrorist attack, I think it is important that we consider just how much light we have seen in the midst of such darkness.”
