While Swimmers Escaped Danger, Popular Image Depicts Lifeguard Running ‘Full Speed’ Towards the Location.

Alexandra Ching, a permanent local of Bondi, views the iconic shoreline as her personal space. On that particular Sunday evening, she, similar to other others in the area, detected cracking sounds ringing out around the neighbourhood.

“Everyone did, but I reasoned it was daylight and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching recounts. She left her residence, she saw people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The looks she saw signaled trouble had occurred.

As she stood on the road, speaking to a duo who had rushed up the hill soaked, she heard someone moving up at her rear. The person was a beach patrol officer, running at full speed to Bondi without shoes from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while transporting a medical device.

“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I only caught a glimpse of this streak in blue,” Ching describes. “He was simply racing by. He was alone heading in the direction that everyone was trying to flee, carrying that big kit and without footwear … He moved at something that certainly every part of you would instruct you to go in the reverse way.

“Without a second thought, but just fully full throttle sprinting.”

A Powerful Moment of Courage Amidst Chaos

The photo that Ching snapped of the lifeguard, later named as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as a prime example of instances of heroism in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, another beach safety officer, noted that Doolan, called “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to assist the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to help surf lifesavers, law enforcement and ambulance crews attending to dozens of those hurt.

Local Outpouring and Solidarity

Doolan’s story was a single example among several to come out of the local area, with the lifeguard clubhouse next to the site of the incident transforming into a temporary medical station. Reports indicate that colleagues were also seen helping out, such as rushing into the water to assist people who were struggling.

Following the events, messages of appreciation flooded in. A social media message expressed gratitude for the individuals who demonstrated that “goodness will always conquer hatred”.

The squad of beach patrol published a message, saying they were “coming to terms with what occurred”.

“Our thanks go out to all for your supportive words and support. We are overwhelmed by the compassion directed at our responders,” the group wrote. “When ready, we will tell our tales in the hope that it helps those involved.”

Local Government Commendation

Waverley council, the governing body that oversees many full-time beach safety officers, said that the team performed exceptionally from the moment the incident began right into late that night.

“We have heard so many moving accounts, but the popular picture of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help save lives is extraordinary,” said a council representative.

“These individuals demonstrate dedication every day in ensuring our internationally renowned shores protected for surfers and swimmers, but what we saw on that evening should be commended.

“While we mourn and grapple with the terror of this brutal and barbaric terrorist attack, I think it is vital that we consider just how much good we have seen in the presence of such evil.”