As Beachgoers Fled Violence, Popular Picture Shows Rescuer Dashing ‘Full Speed’ Towards the Scene.
Alexandra Ching, a permanent local of Bondi, describes the iconic coast as her back yard. On that fateful weekend evening, she, like many local residents, heard cracking sounds reverberating through the community.
“We all thought the same, but I thought it was still too bright and there was nothing visible,” Ching recounts. Exiting her apartment, she witnessed people “pouring up Bondi Road”. The looks she saw made it clear a crisis was unfolding.
Positioned on the road, speaking to a duo who had rushed up the slope still dripping wet, she noticed someone approaching from behind. It was a lifeguard, running at full speed to Bondi barefoot from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while carrying a life-saving kit.
“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I only caught a glimpse of this blur of blue,” she recounts. “He was simply racing by. He was alone running in the direction that the crowd was trying to flee, and hauling that big kit and unshod … He’s running towards something that certainly every instinct would signal you to move in the other direction.
“Without a second thought, but just totally maximum effort sprinting.”
A Powerful Moment of Bravery In the Wake of Crisis
The photo that Ching snapped of the rescuer, since identified as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as a prime example of instances of heroism in the wake of the violent incident.
Andy Reid, a fellow lifeguard, noted that Doolan, called “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to back up the other members at Bondi, as well as to aid surf lifesavers, officers and medical teams caring for dozens of those hurt.
Local Response and Support
Doolan’s story was just one of many to be shared by the local area, with the patrol base adjacent to the scene of the violence becoming a impromptu hospital. Reports indicate that colleagues were also seen responding bravely, including entering the ocean to save people in distress.
After the tragedy, statements of appreciation circulated widely. An online statement conveyed gratitude for the individuals who showed that “compassion will always triumph over hatred”.
The group of rescuers later shared a statement, noting they were “coming to terms with what happened”.
“Thank you all for your kind messages and support. We are touched by the kindness for our responders,” the group commented. “In time, we will recount our experiences in the aim that it helps those affected.”
Official Commendation
Waverley council, the governing body that oversees many permanent lifeguards, remarked that the crew performed exceptionally from the instant the violence commenced through to late that evening.
“We have heard so many powerful narratives, but the widely-circulated photo of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help assist the injured is remarkable,” commented a mayor.
“Our lifeguards demonstrate selflessness every day in ensuring our world-famous coastlines protected for surfers and swimmers, but what we saw on Sunday should be celebrated.
“While we mourn and process the terror of this heinous tragedy, I think it is important that we consider just how much good we have observed in the midst of such hatred.”
