When Swimmers Fled Violence, Popular Photo Depicts Rescuer Dashing ‘Pedal to the Metal’ Towards the Site.
Alexandra Ching, a lifelong inhabitant of Bondi, has always considered the iconic coast as her own backyard. On that particular Sunday evening, she, like many others in the area, heard pops echoing across the suburb.
“That was the initial assumption, but I thought it was daylight and no one could see them,” Ching states. Stepping out of her apartment, she observed people “pouring up Bondi Road”. Their expressions on display told her trouble had occurred.
While standing on the street, speaking to a couple who had rushed up the slope in their swimwear, she heard someone moving up from behind. The person was a lifeguard, dashing to Bondi barefoot from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while transporting 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,” she recounts. “He was just flying past. He was the only one running in the opposite way that the crowd was trying to flee, carrying that big kit and without footwear … He moved at something that certainly every part of you would instruct you to run in the reverse way.
“Just no hesitation, but just completely full throttle racing.”
A Symbol of Courage Amidst Crisis
The photograph taken by Ching of the lifeguard, since identified as Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as a prime example of moments of valour in the following of the violent incident.
Andy Reid, another beach safety officer, noted that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to support the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to aid surf lifesavers, officers and paramedics treating many those hurt.
Local Reaction and Assistance
Doolan’s actions was part of a broader narrative to be shared by the community, with the beach facility adjacent to the location of the incident transforming into a impromptu treatment center. It was shared that fellow lifeguards were also seen helping out, such as entering the ocean to rescue people who were struggling.
Following the attack, comments of support flooded in. An online statement conveyed gratitude for the responders who exhibited that “kindness will always triumph over darkness”.
The team of lifeguards issued a message, explaining they were “processing what transpired”.
“We are grateful all for your supportive words and support. We are overwhelmed by the compassion directed at our personnel,” the group commented. “In time, we will tell our tales in the hope that it aids those involved.”
Official Praise
Waverley council, the governing body that oversees many professional lifeguards, said that the team performed exceptionally from the second the shooting commenced through to late that nighttime.
“People have shared so many moving accounts, but the widely-circulated image of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a medical device so he could help preserve life is incredible,” commented a mayor.
“These individuals demonstrate altruism every day in ensuring our iconic coastlines secure for visitors, but what we witnessed on that day should be commended.
“While we mourn and come to terms with the terror of this violent and horrific terrorist attack, I think it is vital that we focus on just how much good we have witnessed in the face of such hatred.”