As Swimmers Ran From Danger, Widely-Shared Image Depicts Lifeguard Running ‘Pedal to the Metal’ Towards the Scene.

Alexandra Ching, a permanent local of Bondi, has always considered the renowned shoreline as her own backyard. On that particular weekend night, she, similar to other local residents, noticed cracking sounds reverberating through the suburb.

“We all thought the same, but I reasoned it was daylight and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching states. Stepping out of her apartment, she observed people “flooding up Bondi Road”. Their expressions on display told her something was wrong.

As she stood on the avenue, speaking to a pair who had run up the slope in their swimwear, she became aware of someone approaching from behind. The person was a lifeguard, dashing to Bondi without shoes from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – roughly 1.5km – while holding a defibrillator.

“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I just saw this flash of blue,” she recalls. “He was simply racing by. It was just him heading in the direction that everyone was trying to flee, carrying that sizeable pack and barefoot … He’s running into something that undoubtedly every instinct would instruct you to go in the reverse way.

“Absolutely no pause, but just fully full throttle running.”

An Iconic Image of Heroism During Chaos

The photograph taken by Ching of the rescuer, now known to be Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as one of many moments of heroism in the aftermath of the tragic event.

Andy Reid, another lifeguard, says that Doolan, called “Jacko”, hurried from Tamarama beach to back up the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to work with other rescuers, law enforcement and ambulance crews caring for dozens of victims.

Local Outpouring and Solidarity

Doolan’s story was part of a broader narrative to come out of the neighbourhood, with the lifeguard clubhouse adjacent to the site of the incident becoming a impromptu hospital. Reports indicate that other team members were also seen responding bravely, such as going into the surf to assist people needing help.

After the tragedy, statements of appreciation flooded in. An online statement expressed appreciation for the lifeguards who demonstrated that “kindness will always conquer evil”.

The group of beach patrol later shared a message, noting they were “processing what occurred”.

“Thank you all for your kind messages and solidarity. We are touched by the kindness directed at our personnel,” the team stated. “When ready, we will share our stories in the belief that it supports those affected.”

Local Government Recognition

Waverley council, the governing body that hires many permanent lifeguards, said that the team acted heroically from the moment the shooting commenced right into late that evening.

“People have shared so many powerful stories, but the widely-circulated image of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a defibrillator so he could help save lives is extraordinary,” commented a mayor.

“These individuals demonstrate dedication every day in maintaining the safety of our iconic shores secure for the public, but what we witnessed on that evening should be commended.

“During this time of sorrow and come to terms with the terror of this violent and horrific tragedy, I think it is important that we consider just how much light we have observed in the face of such evil.”