As Swimmers Escaped Attack, Popular Photo Captures Rescuer Dashing ‘Full Speed’ To the Location.

Alexandra Ching, someone who has spent her entire life as inhabitant of Bondi, describes the famous coast as her back yard. On a recent weekend evening, she, like many others in the area, noticed loud noises ringing out around the neighbourhood.

“We all thought the same, but I thought it was daylight and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching states. She left her home, she saw people “flooding up Bondi Road”. Their expressions on display told her something was wrong.

Positioned on the avenue, speaking to a duo who had run up the hill in their swimwear, she heard someone coming up from behind. The person was a rescuer, sprinting towards Bondi unshod from the adjacent Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while carrying a medical device.

“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I spotted this flash of blue,” she recounts. “He was simply racing by. He was alone moving in the opposite way that everyone was trying to escape from, carrying that large equipment and unshod … He’s running into something that undoubtedly every part of you would signal you to run in the reverse way.

“Just no hesitation, but just fully maximum effort running.”

An Iconic Image of Courage In the Wake of Chaos

The photo that Ching snapped of the lifeguard, since identified as Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as a prime example of instances of valour in the aftermath of the violent incident.

Andy Reid, another lifeguard, says that Doolan, called “Jacko”, hurried from Tamarama beach to support the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to help other rescuers, officers and ambulance crews caring for many victims.

Community Reaction and Support

Doolan’s story was part of a broader narrative to be shared by the community, with the lifeguard clubhouse adjacent to the site of the incident serving as a makeshift treatment center. Reports indicate that colleagues were also seen taking action, for instance rushing into the ocean to assist people needing help.

After the events, statements of appreciation flooded in. A social media message conveyed thanks for the lifeguards who demonstrated that “goodness will always triumph over darkness”.

The team of rescuers published a communication, noting they were “coming to terms with what occurred”.

“Thank you all for your thoughtful messages and solidarity. We are touched by the compassion directed at our team,” the team stated. “In time, we will share our stories in the aim that it helps those involved.”

Official Praise

Waverley council, the local authority that oversees many professional lifeguards, stated that the staff performed exceptionally from the second the shooting began until late that evening.

“There have been so many moving accounts, but the viral image of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a defibrillator so he could help preserve life is incredible,” said a mayor.

“Our lifeguards demonstrate dedication every day in maintaining the safety of our iconic shores protected for the public, but what we witnessed on that day should be commended.

“As we grieve and process the terror of this heinous tragedy, I think it is vital that we reflect on just how much good we have observed in the face of such evil.”