While Swimmers Ran From Attack, Widely-Shared Picture Captures Lifeguard Sprinting ‘Full Speed’ To the Location.

Alexandra Ching, a lifelong local of Bondi, views the famous beach as her own backyard. On a recent Sunday evening, she, along with numerous local residents, noticed loud noises ringing out around the community.

“That was the initial assumption, but I reasoned it was too light and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching recounts. Stepping out of her apartment, she saw people “flooding up Bondi Road”. Their expressions she saw told her a crisis was unfolding.

As she stood on the avenue, speaking to a duo who had hurried up the incline in their swimwear, she heard someone coming up from behind. It was a rescuer, running at full speed in the direction of Bondi unshod from the nearby Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while carrying a medical device.

“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I just saw this flash of blue,” Ching describes. “He was just flying past. It was just him running in the path that all the others was trying to escape from, carrying that sizeable pack and without footwear … He moved into something that undoubtedly every fibre in your being would signal you to go in the other direction.

“Without a second thought, but just fully maximum effort sprinting.”

An Iconic Image of Courage Amidst Chaos

The photo taken by Ching of the lifeguard, later named as Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as a prime example of acts of heroism in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, another lifeguard, says that Doolan, called “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to support the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to help surf lifesavers, law enforcement and medical teams attending to many victims.

Community Outpouring and Solidarity

Doolan’s actions was part of a broader narrative to be shared by the community, with the beach facility next to the location of the incident serving as a makeshift hospital. Reports indicate that fellow lifeguards were also seen helping out, for instance rushing into the surf to save people in distress.

After the attack, statements of support circulated widely. A social media message conveyed gratitude for the lifeguards who demonstrated that “compassion will always overcome hatred”.

The group of rescuers published a communication, explaining they were “processing what occurred”.

“We are grateful all for your kind words and solidarity. We are deeply moved by the care directed at our personnel,” the team stated. “When ready, we will share our stories in the hope that it supports those impacted.”

Local Government Commendation

Waverley council, the local authority that hires many professional beach safety officers, said that the staff rose to the occasion from the instant the incident started right into late that evening.

“People have shared so many powerful narratives, but the popular photo of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help preserve life is incredible,” commented a local official.

“Our lifeguards exhibit altruism every day in ensuring our iconic coastlines safe for the public, but what we saw on Sunday should be commended.

“During this time of sorrow and come to terms with the terror of this heinous tragedy, I think it is crucial that we focus on just how much positivity we have observed in the presence of such hatred.”