While Sunbathers Ran From Violence, Popular Photo Captures Rescuer Sprinting ‘Pedal to the Metal’ To the Location.
Alexandra Ching, a permanent local of Bondi, describes the iconic shoreline as her personal space. On that particular Sunday evening, she, like many neighbors, heard cracking sounds reverberating around the community.
“Everyone did, but I thought it was too light and there was nothing visible,” Ching states. Exiting her apartment, she observed people “pouring up Bondi Road”. Their expressions on display signaled a crisis was unfolding.
While standing on the road, conversing with a duo who had rushed up the slope soaked, she noticed someone moving up at her rear. The person was a rescuer, dashing in the direction of Bondi barefoot from the adjacent Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while transporting a life-saving kit.
“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I spotted this flash of blue,” she recalls. “He was zooming past. It was just him moving in the opposite way that the crowd was trying to escape from, and hauling that big kit and unshod … He’s running at something that surely every fibre in your being would tell you to go in the reverse way.
“Absolutely no pause, but just totally full throttle racing.”
An Iconic Image of Bravery During Chaos
The image taken by Ching of the lifeguard, since identified as Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as one of many acts of valour in the wake of the tragic event.
Andy Reid, a fellow beach safety officer, says that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to back up the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to work with emergency personnel, officers and ambulance crews caring for many the injured.
Local Reaction and Assistance
Doolan’s account was part of a broader narrative to be shared by the local area, with the patrol base beside the site of the incident transforming into a impromptu hospital. Reports indicate that fellow lifeguards were also seen responding bravely, for instance entering the surf to assist people who were struggling.
In the days after the tragedy, statements of support flooded in. One post expressed gratitude for the responders who demonstrated that “kindness will always conquer hatred”.
The team of beach patrol later shared a statement, saying they were “still trying to comprehend what transpired”.
“Our thanks go out to all for your thoughtful sentiments and support. We are touched by the care shown towards our team,” the group commented. “When ready, we will recount our experiences in the belief that it aids those impacted.”
Council Praise
Waverley council, the governing body that oversees many full-time beach safety officers, remarked that the crew acted heroically from the second the incident began through to late that night.
“We have heard so many powerful stories, but the viral image of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help save lives is extraordinary,” said a council representative.
“The team show dedication every day in maintaining the safety of our internationally renowned coastlines secure for the public, but what we witnessed on Sunday should be commended.
“As we grieve and grapple with the atrocity of this brutal and barbaric tragedy, I think it is important that we consider just how much good we have seen in the presence of such evil.”
