When Swimmers Fled Attack, Popular Picture Captures Beach Patrol Running ‘All Out’ In the Direction of the Site.

Alexandra Ching, a permanent resident of Bondi, views the renowned shoreline as her personal space. On a recent Sunday evening, she, like many others in the area, detected loud noises reverberating around the community.

“Everyone did, but I reasoned it was too light and you couldn't spot any lights,” she explains. Exiting her apartment, she saw people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The looks on display made it clear trouble had occurred.

As she stood on the avenue, conversing with a duo who had rushed up the slope soaked, she heard someone moving up from behind. The person was a lifeguard, sprinting towards Bondi unshod from the nearby Tamarama beach – roughly 1.5km – while holding a life-saving kit.

“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I just saw this blur of blue,” she recounts. “He was simply racing by. It was just him moving in the opposite way that everyone was trying to get away from, while holding that sizeable pack and without footwear … He moved towards something that undoubtedly every part of you would tell you to move in the other direction.

“Just no hesitation, but just totally maximum effort running.”

A Powerful Moment of Heroism During Chaos

The image Ching captured of the lifeguard, since identified as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as one of many instances of valour in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, a second beach safety officer, noted that Doolan, referred to as “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to support the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to help surf lifesavers, police and ambulance crews attending to dozens of those hurt.

Local Reaction and Support

Doolan’s story was a single example among several to be shared by the community, with the beach facility next to the site of the incident transforming into a makeshift treatment center. Reports indicate that other team members were also seen responding bravely, for instance going into the water to rescue people in distress.

Following the events, statements of appreciation were shared. One post shared gratitude for the lifeguards who demonstrated that “kindness will always conquer hatred”.

The group of lifeguards issued a statement, noting they were “still trying to comprehend what transpired”.

“Thank you all for your supportive sentiments and solidarity. We are touched by the kindness for our personnel,” the team stated. “In time, we will recount our experiences in the belief that it supports those involved.”

Local Government Recognition

Waverley council, the local authority that hires many permanent lifeguards, said that the crew performed exceptionally from the second the shooting began right into late that nighttime.

“We have heard so many powerful stories, but the widely-circulated picture of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a defibrillator so he could help preserve life is incredible,” said a local official.

“Our lifeguards demonstrate dedication every day in keeping our internationally renowned coastlines secure for surfers and swimmers, but what we witnessed on that day should be commended.

“During this time of sorrow and come to terms with the terror of this heinous act of violence, I think it is important that we consider just how much light we have seen in the presence of such evil.”