When Swimmers Escaped Violence, Widely-Shared Picture Depicts Beach Patrol Sprinting ‘All Out’ In the Direction of the Location.
Alexandra Ching, a lifelong local of Bondi, describes the renowned beach as her personal space. On that particular Sunday evening, she, similar to other local residents, detected pops echoing through the community.
“We all thought the same, but I considered it was still too bright and there was nothing visible,” she explains. She left her residence, she witnessed people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The faces she saw signaled trouble had occurred.
Positioned on the street, talking to a couple who had run up the slope in their swimwear, she heard someone coming up behind her. This turned out to be a lifeguard, sprinting in the direction of Bondi unshod from the nearby Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while carrying a life-saving kit.
“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I only caught a glimpse of this streak in blue,” she recounts. “He was zooming past. He was the only one heading in the direction that all the others was trying to get away from, carrying that large equipment and unshod … He moved into something that undoubtedly every part of you would tell you to go in the opposite direction.
“Without a second thought, but just completely maximum effort sprinting.”
An Iconic Image of Courage Amidst Tragedy
The image Ching captured of the rescuer, now known to be Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as one of many instances of heroism in the following of the terror attack.
Andy Reid, another beach safety officer, explained that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to back up the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to work with emergency personnel, officers and medical teams treating many the injured.
Collective Outpouring and Assistance
Doolan’s story was part of a broader narrative to emerge from the neighbourhood, with the beach facility next to the site of the incident serving as a makeshift treatment center. Reports indicate that other team members were also seen responding bravely, including rushing into the ocean to rescue people needing help.
After the attack, messages of support circulated widely. An online statement shared appreciation for the individuals who exhibited that “goodness will always conquer darkness”.
The team of beach patrol published a communication, saying they were “processing what transpired”.
“We are grateful all for your supportive words and solidarity. We are overwhelmed by the kindness shown towards our team,” the team stated. “In time, we will tell our tales in the hope that it helps those involved.”
Official Recognition
Waverley council, the administrative organization that oversees many professional beach safety officers, remarked that the crew acted heroically from the moment the incident began right into late that night.
“People have shared so many emotional stories, but the popular picture of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help assist the injured is incredible,” commented a mayor.
“The team show dedication every day in maintaining the safety of our world-famous coastlines safe for visitors, but what we saw on Sunday should be celebrated.
“During this time of sorrow and process the terror of this brutal and barbaric tragedy, I think it is important that we consider just how much positivity we have witnessed in the midst of such darkness.”