As Sunbathers Ran From Violence, Viral Picture Depicts Lifeguard Dashing ‘All Out’ To the Location.
Alexandra Ching, a permanent resident of Bondi, describes the famous shoreline as her back yard. On that fateful Sunday evening, she, similar to other local residents, detected pops reverberating around the community.
“We all thought the same, but I thought it was too light and no one could see them,” Ching recounts. She left her apartment, she witnessed people “streaming up Bondi Road”. Their expressions on display told her something was wrong.
Positioned on the street, speaking to a couple who had hurried up the hill soaked, she noticed someone coming up at her rear. The person was a lifeguard, dashing towards Bondi barefoot from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while holding a life-saving kit.
“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I just saw this blur of blue,” Ching describes. “He was zooming past. He was the only one running in the path that the crowd was trying to get away from, while holding that large equipment and barefoot … He’s running at something that surely every part of you would tell you to go in the other direction.
“Absolutely no pause, but just fully full throttle sprinting.”
A Powerful Moment of Courage During Chaos
The image that Ching snapped of the rescuer, now known to be Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as one of many acts of valour in the following of the violent incident.
Andy Reid, another lifeguard, says that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to assist the other members at Bondi, as well as to help surf lifesavers, officers and medical teams caring for dozens of those hurt.
Community Outpouring and Solidarity
Doolan’s account was just one of many to be shared by the local area, with the patrol base adjacent to the site of the violence serving as a impromptu medical station. Reports indicate that colleagues were also seen responding bravely, such as entering the ocean to assist people needing help.
In the days after the attack, messages of support circulated widely. One post conveyed gratitude for the responders who exhibited that “compassion will always triumph over darkness”.
The team of lifeguards issued a message, explaining they were “still trying to comprehend what transpired”.
“We are grateful all for your kind messages and solidarity. We are touched by the compassion for our responders,” the group commented. “When ready, we will share our stories in the aim that it aids those impacted.”
Official Commendation
Waverley council, the governing body that employs many full-time beach safety officers, said that the crew acted heroically from the second the incident commenced right into late that evening.
“There have been so many powerful accounts, but the viral photo of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help save lives is extraordinary,” commented a local official.
“Our lifeguards show selflessness every day in ensuring our world-famous beaches secure for surfers and swimmers, but what we saw on that evening should be celebrated.
“While we mourn and process the terror of this heinous act of violence, I think it is vital that we reflect on just how much positivity we have witnessed in the midst of such hatred.”