When Sunbathers Escaped Danger, Viral Picture Depicts Lifeguard Dashing ‘Pedal to the Metal’ To the Location.

Alexandra Ching, a lifelong inhabitant of Bondi, has always considered the famous beach as her back yard. On that fateful weekend night, she, similar to other neighbors, detected pops ringing out through the community.

“We all thought the same, but I considered it was too light and no one could see them,” she explains. Stepping out of her home, she saw people “flooding up Bondi Road”. Their expressions on display signaled trouble had occurred.

As she stood on the road, speaking to a pair who had hurried up the slope still dripping wet, she heard someone moving up behind her. The person was a lifeguard, sprinting towards Bondi without shoes 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 spotted this flash of blue,” she recalls. “He was zooming past. It was just him moving in the direction that all the others was trying to flee, and hauling that big kit and barefoot … He’s running towards something that surely every part of you would instruct you to move in the reverse way.

“Without a second thought, but just fully pedal to the metal running.”

A Powerful Moment of Bravery During Crisis

The photo Ching captured of the lifeguard, later named as Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as one of many instances of heroism in the aftermath of the violent incident.

Andy Reid, a second beach safety officer, noted that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to back up the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to help other rescuers, law enforcement and ambulance crews caring for many victims.

Community Reaction and Support

Doolan’s account was a single example among several to come out of the neighbourhood, with the lifeguard clubhouse next to the scene of the violence becoming a impromptu treatment center. Accounts show that other team members were also seen taking action, such as entering the water to save people needing help.

Following the tragedy, statements of support were shared. One post conveyed thanks for the individuals who exhibited that “kindness will always triumph over darkness”.

The team of lifeguards later shared a message, saying they were “coming to terms with what occurred”.

“Thank you all for your kind sentiments and encouragement. We are deeply moved by the compassion shown towards our team,” the team commented. “When ready, we will recount our experiences in the aim that it helps those involved.”

Council Commendation

Waverley council, the local authority that hires many full-time lifeguards, stated that the staff rose to the occasion from the instant the shooting commenced through to late that night.

“We have heard so many powerful narratives, but the viral image of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a defibrillator so he could help preserve life is remarkable,” commented a council representative.

“These individuals demonstrate altruism every day in ensuring our iconic coastlines safe for visitors, but what we witnessed on that evening should be commended.

“During this time of sorrow and come to terms with the terror of this brutal and barbaric terrorist attack, I think it is crucial that we reflect on just how much light we have witnessed in the face of such hatred.”