While Beachgoers Fled Violence, Widely-Shared Image Captures Rescuer Running ‘Full Speed’ In the Direction of the Site.

Alexandra Ching, someone who has spent her entire life as local of Bondi, has always considered the famous shoreline as her own backyard. On that particular weekend evening, she, along with numerous others in the area, noticed cracking sounds reverberating through the community.

“We all thought the same, but I thought it was still too bright and there was nothing visible,” Ching recounts. Stepping out of her residence, she saw people “flooding up Bondi Road”. The faces on display signaled something was wrong.

Positioned on the street, conversing with a couple who had hurried up the hill in their swimwear, she became aware of someone moving up from behind. It was a rescuer, dashing to Bondi without shoes from the nearby Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while holding a life-saving kit.

“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I just saw this flash of blue,” she recalls. “He was zooming past. It was just him heading in the opposite way that everyone was trying to flee, and hauling that sizeable pack and unshod … He was sprinting into something that undoubtedly every fibre in your being would tell you to run in the opposite direction.

“Without a second thought, but just completely pedal to the metal racing.”

A Symbol of Heroism In the Wake of Crisis

The photograph taken by Ching of the rescuer, since identified as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as one of many acts of valour in the aftermath of the violent incident.

Andy Reid, another beach safety officer, says that Doolan, called “Jacko”, hurried from Tamarama beach to assist the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to help emergency personnel, officers and ambulance crews caring for numerous victims.

Local Reaction and Support

Doolan’s actions was just one of many to emerge from the local area, with the lifeguard clubhouse adjacent to the location of the violence transforming into a impromptu treatment center. It was shared that fellow lifeguards were also seen helping out, for instance rushing into the surf to rescue people who were struggling.

In the days after the events, statements of appreciation were shared. One post conveyed gratitude for the individuals who exhibited that “kindness will always overcome hatred”.

The group of rescuers later shared a message, saying they were “processing what transpired”.

“Our thanks go out to all for your kind messages and solidarity. We are touched by the compassion shown towards our responders,” the team wrote. “Eventually, we will tell our tales in the belief that it supports those impacted.”

Council Commendation

Waverley council, the administrative organization that oversees many full-time lifeguards, said that the staff performed exceptionally from the second the shooting commenced until late that evening.

“People have shared so many moving stories, but the widely-circulated image of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help preserve life is remarkable,” said a council representative.

“The team exhibit dedication every day in ensuring our iconic coastlines protected for surfers and swimmers, but what we witnessed on Sunday should be highly praised.

“As we grieve and process the atrocity of this heinous terrorist attack, I think it is crucial that we focus on just how much positivity we have observed in the face of such evil.”