While Sunbathers Fled Attack, Widely-Shared Photo Captures Beach Patrol Running ‘Pedal to the Metal’ Towards the Scene.

Alexandra Ching, a permanent local of Bondi, describes the famous shoreline as her personal space. On that particular weekend night, she, like many neighbors, noticed pops reverberating across the community.

“That was the initial assumption, but I considered it was daylight and there was nothing visible,” Ching recounts. She left her home, she observed people “flooding up Bondi Road”. The faces they wore made it clear something was wrong.

As she stood on the street, conversing with a duo who had run up the hill soaked, she became aware of someone moving up at her rear. This turned out to be a beach patrol officer, running at full speed to Bondi barefoot from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while carrying a medical device.

“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I just saw this streak in blue,” Ching describes. “He was just flying past. He was alone heading in the direction that all the others was trying to flee, and hauling that big kit and unshod … He was sprinting towards something that undoubtedly every part of you would instruct you to go in the other direction.

“Absolutely no pause, but just fully full throttle sprinting.”

A Symbol of Heroism During Chaos

The photo that Ching snapped of the lifeguard, later named as Jackson Doolan, was widely shared as one of many instances of valour in the wake of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, another beach safety officer, explained that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to assist the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to work with other rescuers, law enforcement and paramedics treating dozens of those hurt.

Local Reaction and Support

Doolan’s account was a single example among several to be shared by the local area, with the patrol base adjacent to the scene of the incident serving as a impromptu hospital. It was shared that fellow lifeguards were also seen responding bravely, such as entering the water to save people in distress.

In the days after the attack, comments of appreciation circulated widely. One post conveyed gratitude for the responders who showed that “kindness will always overcome hatred”.

The group of lifeguards published a statement, explaining they were “processing what transpired”.

“We are grateful all for your thoughtful messages and support. We are deeply moved by the care shown towards our personnel,” the group commented. “In time, we will share our stories in the aim that it aids those involved.”

Council Commendation

Waverley council, the local authority that employs many professional lifeguards, said that the team rose to the occasion from the moment the incident commenced until late that night.

“People have shared so many moving stories, but the widely-circulated picture of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help save lives is incredible,” stated a local official.

“Our lifeguards exhibit altruism every day in ensuring our internationally renowned beaches secure for visitors, but what we saw on that day should be celebrated.

“While we mourn and grapple with the horror of this violent and horrific terrorist attack, I think it is crucial that we consider just how much light we have seen in the presence of such hatred.”