As Swimmers Fled Violence, Viral Picture Shows Rescuer Sprinting ‘Full Speed’ Towards the Location.

Alexandra Ching, someone who has spent her entire life as local of Bondi, views the famous shoreline as her own backyard. On a recent weekend night, she, like many local residents, detected cracking sounds reverberating around the neighbourhood.

“That was the initial assumption, but I reasoned it was daylight and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching recounts. She left her apartment, she saw people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The looks they wore made it clear trouble had occurred.

Positioned on the road, conversing with a pair who had hurried up the incline still dripping wet, she heard someone approaching from behind. The person was a lifeguard, dashing to Bondi unshod from the nearby Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while transporting a medical device.

“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I just saw this blur of blue,” she recalls. “He was simply racing by. He was alone heading in the direction that the crowd was trying to get away from, carrying that big kit and barefoot … He’s running at something that surely every part of you would signal you to move in the other direction.

“Just no hesitation, but just totally full throttle running.”

A Symbol of Bravery Amidst Chaos

The photo Ching captured of the rescuer, now known to be Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as one of many instances of valour in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, another lifeguard, says that Doolan, referred to as “Jacko”, hurried from Tamarama beach to back up the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to aid surf lifesavers, officers and medical teams treating dozens of those hurt.

Collective Outpouring and Solidarity

Doolan’s story was part of a broader narrative to come out of the local area, with the lifeguard clubhouse next to the location of the attack serving as a impromptu hospital. Reports indicate that fellow lifeguards were also seen responding bravely, including going into the water to rescue people in distress.

In the days after the attack, messages of gratitude flooded in. A social media message conveyed appreciation for the responders who demonstrated that “kindness will always conquer hatred”.

The group of lifeguards issued a communication, noting they were “still trying to comprehend what transpired”.

“We are grateful all for your kind words and solidarity. We are deeply moved by the kindness directed at our team,” the group wrote. “In time, we will share our stories in the belief that it aids those affected.”

Local Government Praise

Waverley council, the administrative organization that employs many full-time lifeguards, remarked that the crew rose to the occasion from the moment the shooting began through to late that evening.

“There have been so many powerful stories, but the popular photo of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a medical device so he could help save lives is extraordinary,” stated a mayor.

“The team exhibit selflessness every day in ensuring our iconic beaches secure for the public, but what we witnessed on that evening should be highly praised.

“During this time of sorrow and come to terms with the terror of this violent and horrific terrorist attack, I think it is crucial that we consider just how much light we have witnessed in the presence of such hatred.”