While Sunbathers Fled Danger, Popular Image Captures Lifeguard Dashing ‘Pedal to the Metal’ To the Scene.
Alexandra Ching, a lifelong resident of Bondi, has always considered the renowned coast as her back yard. On a recent weekend evening, she, similar to other local residents, detected pops echoing around the suburb.
“That was the initial assumption, but I thought it was too light and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching states. She left her home, she observed people “pouring up Bondi Road”. The faces they wore signaled something was wrong.
Positioned on the road, speaking to a duo who had hurried up the incline still dripping wet, she noticed someone moving up at her rear. This turned out to be a lifeguard, sprinting in the direction of Bondi unshod from the adjacent Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while carrying a medical device.
“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I only caught a glimpse of this streak in blue,” Ching describes. “He was simply racing by. He was the only one moving in the path that all the others was trying to flee, carrying that large equipment and without footwear … He’s running towards something that certainly every instinct would tell you to go in the other direction.
“Without a second thought, but just totally full throttle running.”
A Powerful Moment of Bravery In the Wake of Tragedy
The photo taken by Ching of the rescuer, since identified as Jackson Doolan, was widely shared as among numerous acts of heroism in the wake of the terror attack.
Andy Reid, a second lifeguard, says that Doolan, referred to as “Jacko”, hurried from Tamarama beach to assist the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to aid other rescuers, law enforcement and medical teams treating many victims.
Collective Outpouring and Assistance
Doolan’s story was just one of many to come out of the neighbourhood, with the lifeguard clubhouse adjacent to the location of the attack becoming a makeshift hospital. It was shared that fellow lifeguards were also seen helping out, such as going into the ocean to rescue people who were struggling.
Following the attack, comments of appreciation circulated widely. One post conveyed gratitude for the lifeguards who demonstrated that “goodness will always conquer hatred”.
The squad of lifeguards later shared a communication, saying they were “coming to terms with what occurred”.
“Thank you all for your supportive words and support. We are touched by the compassion shown towards our responders,” the group commented. “When ready, we will share our stories in the aim that it helps those affected.”
Council Commendation
Waverley council, the governing body that oversees many permanent lifeguards, remarked that the staff acted heroically from the second the shooting began until late that night.
“There have been so many powerful stories, but the viral photo of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help preserve life is extraordinary,” commented a local official.
“Our lifeguards exhibit dedication every day in ensuring our internationally renowned shores protected for visitors, but what we observed on that evening should be commended.
“While we mourn and come to terms with the horror of this brutal and barbaric tragedy, I think it is vital that we reflect on just how much light we have seen in the face of such darkness.”