When Beachgoers Ran From Violence, Popular Photo Captures Beach Patrol Dashing ‘All Out’ To the Location.

Alexandra Ching, a permanent resident of Bondi, has always considered the renowned coast as her back yard. On that particular weekend night, she, similar to other others in the area, detected pops reverberating through the suburb.

“That was the initial assumption, but I thought it was daylight and there was nothing visible,” she explains. Stepping out of her home, she witnessed people “pouring up Bondi Road”. Their expressions on display made it clear a crisis was unfolding.

As she stood on the street, conversing with a duo who had rushed up the hill still dripping wet, she heard someone coming up behind her. It was a rescuer, sprinting towards Bondi barefoot from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while transporting a medical device.

“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I just saw this blur of blue,” she recounts. “He was zooming past. It was just him heading in the direction that the crowd was trying to escape from, while holding that large equipment and unshod … He was sprinting towards something that undoubtedly every part of you would tell you to move in the opposite direction.

“Absolutely no pause, but just totally pedal to the metal sprinting.”

A Symbol of Heroism Amidst Tragedy

The photograph that Ching snapped of the lifeguard, since identified as Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as a prime example of instances of courage in the aftermath of the tragic event.

Andy Reid, a fellow beach safety officer, says that Doolan, referred to as “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to back up the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to aid other rescuers, officers and paramedics treating dozens of victims.

Local Reaction and Solidarity

Doolan’s story was a single example among several to emerge from the neighbourhood, with the beach facility beside the location of the attack becoming a impromptu medical station. Accounts show that fellow lifeguards were also seen helping out, including entering the surf to assist people who were struggling.

Following the events, messages of appreciation circulated widely. A social media message shared gratitude for the individuals who showed that “compassion will always overcome hatred”.

The group of rescuers issued a statement, explaining they were “coming to terms with what transpired”.

“We are grateful all for your kind messages and encouragement. We are touched by the compassion shown towards our responders,” the group stated. “When ready, we will tell our tales in the hope that it helps those impacted.”

Official Praise

Waverley council, the governing body that oversees many professional lifeguards, remarked that the staff acted heroically from the moment the shooting began through to late that evening.

“People have shared so many powerful accounts, but the viral picture of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a defibrillator so he could help save lives is extraordinary,” stated a mayor.

“These individuals exhibit dedication every day in ensuring our iconic coastlines safe for surfers and swimmers, but what we saw on Sunday should be celebrated.

“During this time of sorrow and process the horror of this violent and horrific act of violence, I think it is important that we consider just how much positivity we have observed in the face of such hatred.”