When Beachgoers Ran From Attack, Popular Photo Captures Beach Patrol Running ‘Full Speed’ In the Direction of the Site.

Alexandra Ching, a lifelong inhabitant of Bondi, views the iconic beach as her back yard. On a recent Sunday evening, she, like many neighbors, noticed pops reverberating through the suburb.

“Everyone did, but I reasoned it was daylight and no one could see them,” Ching states. She left her apartment, she witnessed people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The looks they wore signaled a crisis was unfolding.

As she stood on the avenue, talking to a pair who had rushed up the slope still dripping wet, she noticed someone coming up from behind. It was a lifeguard, sprinting in the direction of Bondi unshod from the adjacent Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while holding a life-saving kit.

“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I spotted this blur of blue,” she recalls. “He was zooming past. He was alone heading in the direction that everyone was trying to get away from, carrying that sizeable pack and without footwear … He moved at something that certainly every instinct would instruct you to go in the opposite direction.

“Absolutely no pause, but just fully maximum effort running.”

An Iconic Image of Heroism In the Wake of Tragedy

The photograph taken by Ching of the rescuer, later named as Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as among numerous acts of heroism in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, another beach safety officer, explained that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, hurried from Tamarama beach to support the other members at Bondi, as well as to help surf lifesavers, officers and paramedics caring for dozens of those hurt.

Community Reaction and Assistance

Doolan’s account was just one of many to emerge from the community, with the beach facility next to the location of the violence becoming a makeshift medical station. Reports indicate that colleagues were also seen taking action, such as going into the surf to rescue people needing help.

In the days after the tragedy, statements of appreciation were shared. An online statement conveyed thanks for the responders who demonstrated that “kindness will always overcome darkness”.

The team of lifeguards later shared a statement, explaining they were “processing what transpired”.

“Our thanks go out to all for your thoughtful sentiments and solidarity. We are overwhelmed by the care directed at our responders,” the organization commented. “In time, we will recount our experiences in the hope that it helps those involved.”

Official Praise

Waverley council, the governing body that employs many permanent lifeguards, stated that the staff acted heroically from the second the shooting started through to late that evening.

“There have been so many emotional accounts, but the popular image of Jackson Doolan, racing from Tamarama to Bondi with a defibrillator so he could help preserve life is extraordinary,” stated a local official.

“These individuals demonstrate dedication every day in maintaining the safety of our world-famous beaches secure for visitors, but what we witnessed on that day should be celebrated.

“While we mourn and process the horror of this brutal and barbaric terrorist attack, I think it is crucial that we reflect on just how much positivity we have seen in the face of such evil.”