As Sunbathers Ran From Attack, Widely-Shared Image Depicts Lifeguard Sprinting ‘Full Speed’ To the Scene.

Alexandra Ching, a lifelong local of Bondi, views the renowned coast as her personal space. On that particular Sunday evening, she, along with numerous others in the area, noticed cracking sounds echoing across the neighbourhood.

“Everyone did, but I considered it was daylight and no one could see them,” Ching states. Stepping out of her home, she witnessed people “pouring up Bondi Road”. Their expressions they wore told her a crisis was unfolding.

As she stood on the street, speaking to a duo who had rushed up the slope in their swimwear, she became aware of someone moving up from behind. It was a beach patrol officer, sprinting in the direction of Bondi unshod from the nearby Tamarama beach – roughly 1.5km – while carrying a life-saving kit.

“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I just saw this blur of blue,” she recalls. “He was simply racing by. He was alone heading in the opposite way that all the others was trying to flee, while holding that large equipment and barefoot … He’s running at something that undoubtedly every instinct would signal you to go in the other direction.

“Absolutely no pause, but just completely maximum effort running.”

A Symbol of Courage During Chaos

The image that Ching snapped of the lifeguard, later named as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as a prime example of acts of courage in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, a second lifeguard, explained that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, hurried from Tamarama beach to assist the other members at Bondi, as well as to help surf lifesavers, law enforcement and ambulance crews attending to dozens of those hurt.

Community Response and Solidarity

Doolan’s account was part of a broader narrative to emerge from the neighbourhood, with the lifeguard clubhouse beside the location of the incident becoming a impromptu medical station. Accounts show that other team members were also seen responding bravely, such as rushing into the water to save people needing help.

In the days after the events, statements of support were shared. A social media message expressed thanks for the responders who showed that “goodness will always conquer darkness”.

The squad of beach patrol later shared a communication, explaining they were “coming to terms with what happened”.

“Our thanks go out to all for your thoughtful sentiments and solidarity. We are overwhelmed by the compassion directed at our team,” the group wrote. “In time, we will share our stories in the aim that it helps those impacted.”

Official Commendation

Waverley council, the administrative organization that hires many professional lifeguards, said that the crew performed exceptionally from the moment the shooting began right into late that evening.

“We have heard so many emotional narratives, but the widely-circulated picture of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a medical device so he could help save lives is remarkable,” said a council representative.

“These individuals exhibit altruism every day in maintaining the safety of our world-famous coastlines safe for visitors, but what we witnessed on Sunday should be commended.

“As we grieve and come to terms with the terror of this heinous terrorist attack, I think it is crucial that we reflect on just how much light we have seen in the midst of such darkness.”