As Beachgoers Ran From Danger, Viral Photo Shows Lifeguard Dashing ‘All Out’ Towards the Site.

Alexandra Ching, a permanent inhabitant of Bondi, describes the famous shoreline as her own backyard. On that fateful Sunday evening, she, along with numerous others in the area, detected pops ringing out across the neighbourhood.

“Everyone did, but I considered it was still too bright and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching states. Exiting her home, she witnessed people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The looks on display told her something was wrong.

While standing on the road, talking to a pair who had rushed up the incline still dripping wet, she noticed someone moving up from behind. It was a rescuer, sprinting in the direction of Bondi barefoot from the adjacent Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while transporting a medical device.

“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I just saw this flash of blue,” she recalls. “He was simply racing by. It was just him heading in the opposite way that the crowd was trying to get away from, while holding that big kit and without footwear … He was sprinting at something that undoubtedly every instinct would instruct you to move in the reverse way.

“Absolutely no pause, but just totally maximum effort sprinting.”

A Symbol of Bravery In the Wake of Crisis

The photograph that Ching snapped of the lifeguard, now known to be Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as one of many moments of heroism in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, a second beach safety officer, explained that Doolan, called “Jacko”, hurried from Tamarama beach to assist the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to help other rescuers, officers and paramedics attending to many those hurt.

Community Outpouring and Assistance

Doolan’s account was part of a broader narrative to be shared by the neighbourhood, with the patrol base beside the site of the violence becoming a makeshift medical station. Reports indicate that colleagues were also seen helping out, such as going into the ocean to save people who were struggling.

After the attack, comments of gratitude were shared. An online statement shared gratitude for the responders who demonstrated that “goodness will always overcome evil”.

The group of rescuers issued a statement, noting they were “processing what happened”.

“Thank you all for your thoughtful messages and solidarity. We are overwhelmed by the kindness directed at our team,” the organization wrote. “When ready, we will share our stories in the belief that it aids those involved.”

Official Commendation

Waverley council, the governing body that hires many permanent lifeguards, said that the staff rose to the occasion from the instant the violence commenced until late that evening.

“People have shared so many moving accounts, but the viral photo of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help preserve life is incredible,” stated a council representative.

“Our lifeguards show dedication every day in ensuring our iconic beaches safe for visitors, but what we saw on Sunday should be highly praised.

“While we mourn and process the atrocity of this violent and horrific act of violence, I think it is crucial that we consider just how much light we have seen in the midst of such hatred.”