As Sunbathers Fled Danger, Widely-Shared Picture Captures Lifeguard Sprinting ‘Full Speed’ Towards the Site.
Alexandra Ching, a lifelong local of Bondi, has always considered the iconic coast as her own backyard. On a recent weekend night, she, similar to other neighbors, noticed cracking sounds ringing out across the community.
“We all thought the same, but I reasoned it was too light and there was nothing visible,” Ching states. Exiting her apartment, she saw people “pouring up Bondi Road”. Their expressions she saw made it clear something was wrong.
Positioned on the road, speaking to a duo who had run up the incline soaked, she heard someone coming up at her rear. The person was a beach patrol officer, sprinting in the direction of Bondi barefoot from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while carrying a life-saving kit.
“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I only caught a glimpse of this streak in blue,” she recalls. “He was simply racing by. It was just him running in the path that all the others was trying to get away from, and hauling that big kit and unshod … He’s running towards something that certainly every fibre in your being would tell you to run in the opposite direction.
“Without a second thought, but just completely maximum effort sprinting.”
A Symbol of Bravery During Crisis
The image taken by Ching of the lifeguard, now known to be Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as a prime example of acts of courage in the following of the terror attack.
Andy Reid, another lifeguard, explained that Doolan, called “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to assist the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to aid other rescuers, police and paramedics treating many the injured.
Local Reaction and Solidarity
Doolan’s account was just one of many to emerge from the neighbourhood, with the patrol base next to the location of the violence serving as a makeshift medical station. It was shared that fellow lifeguards were also seen responding bravely, such as rushing into the ocean to assist people who were struggling.
In the days after the events, statements of appreciation flooded in. An online statement conveyed appreciation for the individuals who showed that “kindness will always triumph over evil”.
The squad of beach patrol issued a statement, noting they were “processing what transpired”.
“Our thanks go out to all for your supportive messages and encouragement. We are overwhelmed by the compassion for our team,” the team stated. “Eventually, we will share our stories in the aim that it supports those affected.”
Council Recognition
Waverley council, the local authority that oversees many full-time beach safety officers, said that the team acted heroically from the moment the incident started right into late that nighttime.
“There have been so many powerful narratives, but the widely-circulated photo of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a medical device so he could help save lives is extraordinary,” said a council representative.
“These individuals demonstrate dedication every day in keeping our iconic coastlines protected for the public, but what we observed on that day should be highly praised.
“While we mourn and process the atrocity of this heinous tragedy, I think it is important that we focus on just how much good we have observed in the midst of such hatred.”
