When Beachgoers Fled Violence, Popular Image Depicts Beach Patrol Dashing ‘All Out’ In the Direction of the Scene.
Alexandra Ching, a lifelong resident of Bondi, has always considered the renowned shoreline as her personal space. On that fateful weekend night, she, along with numerous others in the area, noticed loud noises ringing out around the neighbourhood.
“We all thought the same, but I considered it was daylight and there was nothing visible,” Ching states. Exiting her residence, she observed people “flooding up Bondi Road”. Their expressions they wore signaled something was wrong.
Positioned on the avenue, conversing with a couple who had run up the slope in their swimwear, she noticed someone coming up from behind. The person was a rescuer, sprinting towards Bondi barefoot from the adjacent Tamarama beach – roughly 1.5km – while transporting a medical device.
“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I only caught a glimpse of this blur of blue,” Ching describes. “He was zooming past. He was the only one running in the opposite way that the crowd was trying to escape from, carrying that big kit and unshod … He’s running towards something that undoubtedly every part of you would tell you to go in the reverse way.
“Absolutely no pause, but just fully pedal to the metal running.”
A Powerful Moment of Heroism Amidst Tragedy
The photograph that Ching snapped of the rescuer, later named as Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as among numerous acts of courage in the wake of the terror attack.
Andy Reid, a fellow lifeguard, explained that Doolan, referred to as “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to support the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to work with emergency personnel, law enforcement and ambulance crews treating numerous victims.
Community Reaction and Assistance
Doolan’s story was just one of many to emerge from the community, with the patrol base beside the location of the incident transforming into a makeshift treatment center. It was shared that fellow lifeguards were also seen helping out, including rushing into the water to rescue people who were struggling.
In the days after the attack, statements of support flooded in. One post shared gratitude for the lifeguards who demonstrated that “goodness will always overcome hatred”.
The team of rescuers later shared a message, explaining they were “processing what happened”.
“Thank you all for your thoughtful sentiments and support. We are deeply moved by the compassion shown towards our responders,” the group commented. “Eventually, we will share our stories in the hope that it helps those affected.”
Council Praise
Waverley council, the administrative organization that employs many permanent lifeguards, remarked that the staff rose to the occasion from the second the violence started until late that night.
“There have been so many moving accounts, but the viral image of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help preserve life is incredible,” said a council representative.
“These individuals demonstrate dedication every day in keeping our world-famous beaches safe for the public, but what we saw on that day should be celebrated.
“During this time of sorrow and grapple with the atrocity of this heinous terrorist attack, I think it is crucial that we reflect on just how much good we have seen in the face of such evil.”
