As Sunbathers Ran From Attack, Viral Picture Captures Beach Patrol Running ‘Full Speed’ In the Direction of the Site.

Alexandra Ching, a permanent local of Bondi, has always considered the renowned coast as her back yard. On that particular Sunday evening, she, along with numerous others in the area, detected pops echoing around the suburb.

“We all thought the same, but I considered it was daylight and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching recounts. Exiting her apartment, she witnessed people “pouring up Bondi Road”. Their expressions on display told her a crisis was unfolding.

Positioned on the road, speaking to a duo who had run up the hill in their swimwear, she heard someone approaching at her rear. This turned out to be a beach patrol officer, sprinting to Bondi without shoes from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while transporting a life-saving kit.

“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I spotted this flash of blue,” she recounts. “He was just flying past. He was the only one running in the direction that all the others was trying to get away from, carrying that large equipment and barefoot … He moved at something that undoubtedly every part of you would signal you to go in the reverse way.

“Just no hesitation, but just totally maximum effort sprinting.”

An Iconic Image of Heroism In the Wake of Tragedy

The photo taken by Ching of the lifeguard, later named as Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as a prime example of instances of heroism in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, a second beach safety officer, noted that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, hurried from Tamarama beach to assist the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to work with surf lifesavers, officers and ambulance crews caring for numerous victims.

Local Response and Assistance

Doolan’s actions was part of a broader narrative to be shared by the community, with the patrol base beside the location of the attack serving as a temporary medical station. It was shared that colleagues were also seen taking action, including rushing into the ocean to save people needing help.

In the days after the tragedy, comments of support circulated widely. An online statement expressed gratitude for the individuals who showed that “goodness will always overcome evil”.

The team of rescuers issued a message, explaining they were “processing what occurred”.

“Thank you all for your supportive sentiments and support. We are overwhelmed by the kindness for our responders,” the group wrote. “In time, we will share our stories in the aim that it aids those involved.”

Official Recognition

Waverley council, the governing body that employs many full-time beach safety officers, stated that the team rose to the occasion from the instant the violence began until late that night.

“People have shared so many powerful stories, but the popular photo of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help assist the injured is extraordinary,” stated a council representative.

“These individuals show altruism every day in keeping our iconic coastlines protected for surfers and swimmers, but what we witnessed on that day should be celebrated.

“During this time of sorrow and grapple with the terror of this heinous tragedy, I think it is vital that we reflect on just how much good we have witnessed in the presence of such darkness.”