While Beachgoers Escaped Violence, Popular Image Captures Lifeguard Running ‘All Out’ In the Direction of the Location.

Alexandra Ching, a permanent inhabitant of Bondi, has always considered the renowned beach as her personal space. On a recent weekend evening, she, along with numerous others in the area, heard cracking sounds reverberating through the community.

“That was the initial assumption, but I considered it was still too bright and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching recounts. Exiting her residence, she observed people “pouring up Bondi Road”. The looks they wore told her a crisis was unfolding.

While standing on the street, conversing with a couple who had hurried up the slope in their swimwear, she noticed someone moving up behind her. This turned out to be a beach patrol officer, running at full speed towards Bondi without shoes from the adjacent Tamarama beach – roughly 1.5km – while carrying a life-saving kit.

“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I just saw this flash of blue,” Ching describes. “He was simply racing by. He was alone running in the opposite way that the crowd was trying to get away from, carrying that large equipment and without footwear … He’s running at something that certainly every fibre in your being would signal you to run in the opposite direction.

“Just no hesitation, but just fully maximum effort sprinting.”

A Powerful Moment of Bravery During Chaos

The photo that Ching snapped of the lifeguard, later named as Jackson Doolan, was widely shared as among numerous instances of valour in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, a second lifeguard, says that Doolan, referred to as “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to back up the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to help surf lifesavers, police and medical teams treating many victims.

Local Reaction and Support

Doolan’s actions was a single example among several to be shared by the community, with the lifeguard clubhouse beside the site of the violence transforming into a makeshift hospital. Reports indicate that fellow lifeguards were also seen taking action, such as rushing into the water to rescue people who were struggling.

After the events, messages of appreciation were shared. A social media message conveyed appreciation for the responders who exhibited that “kindness will always overcome hatred”.

The team of rescuers later shared a message, explaining they were “coming to terms with what occurred”.

“Thank you all for your thoughtful messages and support. We are touched by the kindness shown towards our personnel,” the team wrote. “When ready, we will share our stories in the aim that it supports those affected.”

Council Praise

Waverley council, the administrative organization that oversees many full-time beach safety officers, said that the team rose to the occasion from the second the shooting began until late that nighttime.

“We have heard so many powerful accounts, but the viral picture of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a medical device so he could help preserve life is extraordinary,” said a local official.

“The team show selflessness every day in maintaining the safety of our internationally renowned coastlines secure for surfers and swimmers, but what we observed on Sunday should be celebrated.

“While we mourn and come to terms with the terror of this violent and horrific tragedy, I think it is important that we reflect on just how much light we have witnessed in the midst of such darkness.”