As Swimmers Ran From Violence, Popular Photo Captures Lifeguard Running ‘Pedal to the Metal’ In the Direction of the Scene.

Alexandra Ching, a permanent resident of Bondi, describes the renowned beach as her back yard. On a recent Sunday evening, she, like many local residents, detected loud noises echoing through the suburb.

“We all thought the same, but I thought it was daylight and no one could see them,” Ching recounts. Exiting her apartment, she saw people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The faces on display made it clear a crisis was unfolding.

While standing on the road, talking to a couple who had rushed up the slope still dripping wet, she heard someone coming up behind her. This turned out to be a beach patrol officer, sprinting in the direction of Bondi barefoot from the adjacent Tamarama beach – roughly 1.5km – while carrying a defibrillator.

“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I only caught a glimpse of this blur of blue,” Ching describes. “He was just flying past. He was alone running in the direction that all the others was trying to escape from, carrying that big kit and without footwear … He’s running into something that undoubtedly every fibre in your being would instruct you to go in the reverse way.

“Just no hesitation, but just completely pedal to the metal sprinting.”

A Powerful Moment of Heroism Amidst Chaos

The photo taken by Ching of the lifeguard, now known to be Jackson Doolan, was widely shared as a prime example of moments of courage in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, a fellow beach safety officer, explained that Doolan, referred to as “Jacko”, hurried from Tamarama beach to assist the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to work with other rescuers, officers and medical teams treating many victims.

Community Response and Assistance

Doolan’s account was a single example among several to emerge from the community, with the beach facility next to the site of the incident becoming a temporary medical station. It was shared that fellow lifeguards were also seen helping out, such as going into the surf to save people needing help.

In the days after the events, comments of appreciation flooded in. A social media message conveyed gratitude for the lifeguards who exhibited that “compassion will always conquer darkness”.

The squad of lifeguards later shared a communication, explaining they were “processing what transpired”.

“Our thanks go out to all for your thoughtful sentiments and encouragement. We are deeply moved by the kindness shown towards our responders,” the team commented. “Eventually, we will share our stories in the hope that it aids those affected.”

Council Recognition

Waverley council, the governing body that oversees many permanent beach safety officers, said that the crew performed exceptionally from the moment the violence commenced through to late that nighttime.

“People have shared so many powerful narratives, but the widely-circulated image of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help assist the injured is remarkable,” said a mayor.

“The team show dedication every day in maintaining the safety of our world-famous coastlines secure for surfers and swimmers, but what we witnessed on Sunday should be commended.

“As we grieve and process the terror of this brutal and barbaric tragedy, I think it is important that we focus on just how much positivity we have seen in the presence of such evil.”