While Beachgoers Ran From Attack, Widely-Shared Photo Shows Beach Patrol Dashing ‘Full Speed’ To the Location.
Alexandra Ching, someone who has spent her entire life as inhabitant of Bondi, describes the famous coast as her personal space. On a recent weekend evening, she, similar to other neighbors, detected loud noises echoing across the community.
“We all thought the same, but I considered it was daylight and there was nothing visible,” Ching recounts. She left her apartment, she witnessed people “flooding up Bondi Road”. Their expressions on display signaled something was wrong.
As she stood on the road, talking to a couple who had run up the hill soaked, she heard someone coming up at her rear. This turned out to be a beach patrol officer, running at full speed in the direction of Bondi barefoot from the adjacent Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while transporting a life-saving kit.
“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I spotted this flash of blue,” Ching describes. “He was just flying past. He was the only one moving in the direction that the crowd was trying to flee, while holding that sizeable pack and without footwear … He’s running at something that surely every instinct would tell you to go in the reverse way.
“Without a second thought, but just totally pedal to the metal racing.”
An Iconic Image of Courage Amidst Chaos
The image taken by Ching of the lifeguard, now known to be Jackson Doolan, was widely shared as one of many acts of valour in the wake of the violent incident.
Andy Reid, a fellow beach safety officer, noted that Doolan, referred to as “Jacko”, hurried from Tamarama beach to back up the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to aid other rescuers, police and paramedics caring for numerous victims.
Local Outpouring and Support
Doolan’s actions was part of a broader narrative to be shared by the community, with the beach facility next to the scene of the violence transforming into a makeshift hospital. It was shared that fellow lifeguards were also seen taking action, including entering the ocean to assist people who were struggling.
After the tragedy, comments of appreciation circulated widely. One post conveyed thanks for the lifeguards who demonstrated that “compassion will always triumph over darkness”.
The group of beach patrol published a statement, noting they were “processing what occurred”.
“Our thanks go out to all for your thoughtful sentiments and support. We are overwhelmed by the care shown towards our team,” the team stated. “Eventually, we will share our stories in the belief that it helps those involved.”
Official Praise
Waverley council, the local authority that employs many permanent beach safety officers, stated that the team performed exceptionally from the second the incident began through to late that nighttime.
“People have shared so many powerful narratives, but the popular photo of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a medical device so he could help preserve life is remarkable,” commented a council representative.
“The team demonstrate altruism every day in maintaining the safety of our internationally renowned beaches safe for the public, but what we witnessed on that evening should be commended.
“During this time of sorrow and process the terror of this heinous act of violence, I think it is crucial that we reflect on just how much good we have observed in the face of such darkness.”