As Sunbathers Ran From Attack, Viral Photo Depicts Rescuer Dashing ‘Full Speed’ In the Direction of the Site.
Alexandra Ching, a permanent local of Bondi, describes the iconic shoreline as her personal space. On that fateful weekend evening, she, like many others in the area, detected loud noises reverberating across the neighbourhood.
“That was the initial assumption, but I considered it was daylight and there was nothing visible,” Ching states. Exiting her apartment, she observed people “pouring up Bondi Road”. The looks on display made it clear trouble had occurred.
While standing on the avenue, talking to a duo who had rushed up the incline in their swimwear, she became aware of someone approaching from behind. It was a lifeguard, dashing to Bondi unshod from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – roughly 1.5km – while holding 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 zooming past. He was the only one running in the direction that the crowd was trying to escape from, and hauling that sizeable pack and without footwear … He moved towards something that certainly every part of you would instruct you to move in the opposite direction.
“Without a second thought, but just fully maximum effort racing.”
A Symbol of Heroism In the Wake of Crisis
The image taken by Ching of the rescuer, since identified as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as one of many instances of heroism in the wake of the terror attack.
Andy Reid, another beach safety officer, says that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to support the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to help surf lifesavers, officers and medical teams caring for dozens of the injured.
Community Response and Solidarity
Doolan’s story was part of a broader narrative to emerge from the local area, with the beach facility adjacent to the scene of the incident transforming into a impromptu medical station. Accounts show that fellow lifeguards were also seen helping out, for instance rushing into the surf to save people who were struggling.
Following the events, comments of support flooded in. A social media message conveyed gratitude for the individuals who exhibited that “kindness will always conquer evil”.
The squad of beach patrol later shared a statement, noting they were “coming to terms with what transpired”.
“Our thanks go out to all for your thoughtful words and support. We are touched by the kindness shown towards our responders,” the group commented. “When ready, we will recount our experiences in the belief that it aids those affected.”
Official Commendation
Waverley council, the local authority that oversees many full-time beach safety officers, said that the crew acted heroically from the instant the incident commenced until late that night.
“People have shared so many moving stories, but the widely-circulated image of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a defibrillator so he could help save lives is incredible,” said a mayor.
“The team demonstrate dedication every day in maintaining the safety of our iconic beaches safe for visitors, but what we saw on that evening should be highly praised.
“While we mourn and process the horror of this heinous act of violence, I think it is crucial that we reflect on just how much good we have seen in the midst of such hatred.”