While Sunbathers Fled Attack, Widely-Shared Photo Shows Beach Patrol Sprinting ‘Full Speed’ To the Scene.

Alexandra Ching, someone who has spent her entire life as inhabitant of Bondi, views the renowned beach as her back yard. On a recent weekend night, she, along with numerous local residents, noticed loud noises reverberating around the neighbourhood.

“We all thought the same, but I reasoned it was daylight and no one could see them,” Ching recounts. Exiting her home, she saw people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The faces they wore told her something was wrong.

While standing on the street, conversing with a couple who had rushed up the hill in their swimwear, she noticed someone moving up from behind. This turned out to be a lifeguard, sprinting to Bondi unshod from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while holding a medical device.

“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I only caught a glimpse of this blur of blue,” she recounts. “He was simply racing by. He was the only one moving in the opposite way that the crowd was trying to get away from, and hauling that sizeable pack and barefoot … He was sprinting towards something that surely every instinct would signal you to move in the opposite direction.

“Without a second thought, but just completely maximum effort racing.”

An Iconic Image of Courage Amidst Crisis

The photo Ching captured of the lifeguard, later named as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as one of many instances of heroism in the wake of the tragic event.

Andy Reid, another lifeguard, explained that Doolan, called “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to support the other members at Bondi, as well as to work with surf lifesavers, police and paramedics treating dozens of those hurt.

Community Outpouring and Solidarity

Doolan’s account was just one of many to emerge from the community, with the patrol base next to the location of the violence transforming into a makeshift medical station. Reports indicate that fellow lifeguards were also seen responding bravely, for instance rushing into the ocean to save people who were struggling.

In the days after the events, comments of appreciation circulated widely. An online statement conveyed appreciation for the responders who exhibited that “kindness will always triumph over hatred”.

The group of beach patrol issued a communication, noting they were “coming to terms with what occurred”.

“Our thanks go out to all for your thoughtful sentiments and support. We are touched by the care shown towards our responders,” the group stated. “Eventually, we will recount our experiences in the aim that it supports those involved.”

Local Government Recognition

Waverley council, the administrative organization that hires many permanent beach safety officers, said that the team rose to the occasion from the moment the shooting started through to late that nighttime.

“We have heard so many emotional stories, but the widely-circulated image of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help save lives is remarkable,” stated a council representative.

“Our lifeguards demonstrate selflessness every day in maintaining the safety of our internationally renowned coastlines secure for surfers and swimmers, but what we witnessed on Sunday should be celebrated.

“During this time of sorrow and come to terms with the horror of this violent and horrific tragedy, I think it is vital that we focus on just how much good we have seen in the presence of such hatred.”