As Swimmers Escaped Violence, Widely-Shared Photo Captures Beach Patrol Sprinting ‘Full Speed’ To the Location.
Alexandra Ching, a lifelong local of Bondi, has always considered the famous shoreline as her own backyard. On a recent Sunday evening, she, along with numerous local residents, noticed pops reverberating across the neighbourhood.
“Everyone did, but I reasoned it was too light and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching recounts. Exiting her home, she saw people “flooding up Bondi Road”. The faces on display made it clear trouble had occurred.
While standing on the avenue, conversing with a pair who had rushed up the hill in their swimwear, she heard someone approaching from behind. It was a beach patrol officer, running at full speed to Bondi without shoes from the nearby Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while carrying a defibrillator.
“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I just saw this streak in blue,” Ching describes. “He was just flying past. He was the only one running in the opposite way that the crowd was trying to escape from, while holding that large equipment and unshod … He moved at something that surely every part of you would tell you to run in the other direction.
“Just no hesitation, but just fully full throttle running.”
A Symbol of Courage During Chaos
The image Ching captured of the lifeguard, later named as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as one of many moments of valour in the following of the tragic event.
Andy Reid, another beach safety officer, noted that Doolan, referred to as “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to assist the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to work with emergency personnel, police and medical teams caring for many the injured.
Community Reaction and Support
Doolan’s account was just one of many to come out of the community, with the beach facility adjacent to the scene of the violence transforming into a temporary treatment center. It was shared that fellow lifeguards were also seen responding bravely, such as rushing into the surf to assist people who were struggling.
In the days after the attack, statements of appreciation circulated widely. One post conveyed thanks for the individuals who exhibited that “kindness will always conquer darkness”.
The squad of beach patrol later shared a statement, explaining they were “still trying to comprehend what occurred”.
“We are grateful all for your supportive messages and support. We are overwhelmed by the care directed at our team,” the team commented. “Eventually, we will recount our experiences in the aim that it helps those involved.”
Local Government Praise
Waverley council, the local authority that employs many full-time beach safety officers, remarked that the team performed exceptionally from the moment the violence started until late that nighttime.
“We have heard so many powerful accounts, but the widely-circulated picture of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a defibrillator so he could help preserve life is extraordinary,” said a mayor.
“These individuals show selflessness every day in maintaining the safety of our internationally renowned shores secure for surfers and swimmers, but what we witnessed on that evening should be highly praised.
“While we mourn and come to terms with the atrocity of this brutal and barbaric terrorist attack, I think it is important that we focus on just how much positivity we have observed in the face of such evil.”