As Beachgoers Escaped Violence, Popular Image Depicts Lifeguard Sprinting ‘Full Speed’ To the Scene.
Alexandra Ching, someone who has spent her entire life as inhabitant of Bondi, describes the iconic beach as her back yard. On a recent weekend evening, she, similar to other local residents, noticed pops echoing around the neighbourhood.
“Everyone did, but I reasoned it was daylight and no one could see them,” she explains. She left her apartment, she witnessed people “flooding up Bondi Road”. The looks they wore signaled trouble had occurred.
Positioned on the street, speaking to a pair who had rushed up the incline soaked, she heard someone approaching behind her. It was a lifeguard, running at full speed towards Bondi barefoot from the adjacent Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while carrying a medical device.
“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I spotted this blur of blue,” Ching describes. “He was simply racing by. He was alone running in the opposite way that everyone was trying to escape from, while holding that sizeable pack and unshod … He was sprinting into something that undoubtedly every instinct would signal you to move in the reverse way.
“Without a second thought, but just completely maximum effort sprinting.”
A Symbol of Bravery Amidst Chaos
The photograph taken by Ching of the rescuer, since identified as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as a prime example of moments of courage in the following of the tragic event.
Andy Reid, another beach safety officer, explained that Doolan, called “Jacko”, hurried from Tamarama beach to back up the other members at Bondi, as well as to help emergency personnel, law enforcement and medical teams treating many the injured.
Community Outpouring and Solidarity
Doolan’s account was a single example among several to emerge from the neighbourhood, with the beach facility next to the site of the incident transforming into a impromptu treatment center. Reports indicate that other team members were also seen responding bravely, such as rushing into the surf to save people who were struggling.
After the tragedy, comments of gratitude were shared. An online statement conveyed thanks for the lifeguards who demonstrated that “goodness will always overcome hatred”.
The squad of rescuers published a message, saying they were “coming to terms with what transpired”.
“Our thanks go out to all for your supportive sentiments and support. We are deeply moved by the compassion for our personnel,” the group stated. “Eventually, we will tell our tales in the hope that it helps those impacted.”
Council Praise
Waverley council, the local authority that employs many full-time beach safety officers, remarked that the staff acted heroically from the second the shooting began through to late that night.
“People have shared so many powerful accounts, but the widely-circulated image of Jackson Doolan, racing from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help save lives is incredible,” commented a mayor.
“Our lifeguards demonstrate selflessness every day in ensuring our world-famous shores protected for visitors, but what we saw on that day should be celebrated.
“During this time of sorrow and process the terror of this brutal and barbaric tragedy, I think it is crucial that we consider just how much positivity we have witnessed in the midst of such evil.”
