As Beachgoers Fled Violence, Widely-Shared Image Captures Lifeguard Running ‘Full Speed’ In the Direction of the Location.

Alexandra Ching, a lifelong resident of Bondi, describes the renowned beach as her personal space. On a recent Sunday evening, she, similar to other local residents, noticed pops echoing through the community.

“We all thought the same, but I considered it was still too bright and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching recounts. Exiting her apartment, she witnessed people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The faces on display signaled something was wrong.

While standing on the street, conversing with a pair who had run up the slope soaked, she noticed someone moving up behind her. The person was a beach patrol officer, dashing to Bondi unshod from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while transporting a defibrillator.

“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I only caught a glimpse of this streak in blue,” she recounts. “He was zooming past. He was alone moving in the direction that everyone was trying to flee, carrying that big kit and unshod … He’s running into something that surely every fibre in your being would tell you to run in the other direction.

“Just no hesitation, but just completely pedal to the metal running.”

A Symbol of Courage Amidst Tragedy

The photo Ching captured of the lifeguard, now known to be Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as among numerous moments of valour in the wake of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, a second beach safety officer, explained that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, hurried from Tamarama beach to back up the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to help emergency personnel, officers and ambulance crews caring for numerous those hurt.

Collective Reaction and Assistance

Doolan’s actions was a single example among several to emerge from the community, with the beach facility adjacent to the scene of the attack becoming a temporary medical station. Accounts show that other team members were also seen responding bravely, such as entering the surf to rescue people needing help.

After the tragedy, statements of gratitude were shared. One post shared appreciation for the responders who showed that “kindness will always conquer evil”.

The team of beach patrol later shared a communication, saying they were “coming to terms with what transpired”.

“We are grateful all for your supportive sentiments and encouragement. We are overwhelmed by the care for our responders,” the group commented. “Eventually, we will share our stories in the hope that it aids those involved.”

Council Praise

Waverley council, the local authority that employs many professional beach safety officers, said that the team acted heroically from the moment the shooting started through to late that evening.

“There have been so many powerful narratives, but the widely-circulated image of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help preserve life is remarkable,” said a mayor.

“Our lifeguards demonstrate altruism every day in ensuring our internationally renowned beaches protected for visitors, but what we observed on that evening should be celebrated.

“As we grieve and process the terror of this brutal and barbaric tragedy, I think it is important that we consider just how much light we have observed in the midst of such hatred.”