While Beachgoers Ran From Attack, Widely-Shared Photo Captures Beach Patrol Dashing ‘All Out’ In the Direction of the Scene.

Alexandra Ching, a permanent inhabitant of Bondi, has always considered the famous coast as her own backyard. On that particular Sunday evening, she, like many neighbors, detected loud noises reverberating through the community.

“Everyone did, but I considered it was still too bright and you couldn't spot any lights,” she explains. Exiting her residence, she saw people “pouring up Bondi Road”. The faces on display told her a crisis was unfolding.

Positioned on the avenue, conversing with a pair who had rushed up the hill in their swimwear, she became aware of someone approaching at her rear. The person was a lifeguard, dashing towards Bondi barefoot from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while carrying a medical device.

“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I only caught a glimpse of this streak in blue,” Ching describes. “He was zooming past. He was alone running in the path that all the others was trying to flee, carrying that sizeable pack and without footwear … He was sprinting into something that surely every fibre in your being would tell you to move in the other direction.

“Absolutely no pause, but just totally full throttle running.”

An Iconic Image of Courage In the Wake of Tragedy

The photo taken by Ching of the lifeguard, later named as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as among numerous acts of courage in the wake of the tragic event.

Andy Reid, a fellow lifeguard, explained that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to back up the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to help emergency personnel, officers and ambulance crews caring for many those hurt.

Community Outpouring and Support

Doolan’s story was just one of many to emerge from the community, with the lifeguard clubhouse adjacent to the site of the violence becoming a makeshift treatment center. It was shared that colleagues were also seen responding bravely, including entering the water to assist people who were struggling.

Following the tragedy, comments of support were shared. An online statement shared gratitude for the individuals who exhibited that “goodness will always conquer hatred”.

The team of lifeguards published a statement, saying they were “processing what happened”.

“Our thanks go out to all for your thoughtful words and support. We are deeply moved by the kindness shown towards our responders,” the group wrote. “When ready, we will share our stories in the hope that it aids those impacted.”

Official Commendation

Waverley council, the local authority that oversees many permanent beach safety officers, stated that the staff performed exceptionally from the second the incident started right into late that night.

“People have shared so many moving accounts, but the popular photo of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a medical device so he could help assist the injured is remarkable,” stated a council representative.

“Our lifeguards show selflessness every day in maintaining the safety of our internationally renowned beaches secure for visitors, but what we observed on that evening should be commended.

“As we grieve and come to terms with the horror of this violent and horrific tragedy, I think it is important that we focus on just how much good we have observed in the presence of such hatred.”