While Beachgoers Fled Danger, Widely-Shared Image Captures Beach Patrol Running ‘All Out’ In the Direction of the Scene.

Alexandra Ching, a permanent local of Bondi, views the iconic beach as her back yard. On that fateful weekend night, she, similar to other local residents, heard pops reverberating across the neighbourhood.

“We all thought the same, but I reasoned it was daylight and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching states. She left her home, she witnessed people “pouring up Bondi Road”. Their expressions they wore made it clear something was wrong.

While standing on the street, talking to a couple who had rushed up the slope soaked, she heard someone approaching behind her. The person was a rescuer, running at full speed to Bondi barefoot from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – roughly 1.5km – while holding a life-saving kit.

“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and when I spun around I only caught a glimpse of this flash of blue,” Ching describes. “He was zooming past. He was alone heading in the opposite way that all the others was trying to flee, while holding that big kit and unshod … He was sprinting towards something that surely every part of you would tell you to move in the reverse way.

“Without a second thought, but just totally pedal to the metal sprinting.”

An Iconic Image of Heroism Amidst Chaos

The photo that Ching snapped of the lifeguard, since identified as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as one of many acts of courage in the following of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, a fellow beach safety officer, explained that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to support the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to help other rescuers, law enforcement and paramedics treating many those hurt.

Community Response and Assistance

Doolan’s account was part of a broader narrative to emerge from the neighbourhood, with the lifeguard clubhouse beside the location of the attack serving as a temporary medical station. Accounts show that fellow lifeguards were also seen responding bravely, for instance going into the surf to rescue people in distress.

Following the events, messages of support circulated widely. One post shared appreciation for the lifeguards who showed that “kindness will always triumph over darkness”.

The team of rescuers issued a statement, explaining they were “processing what happened”.

“Our thanks go out to all for your kind words and support. We are touched by the care shown towards our responders,” the group stated. “In time, we will tell our tales in the belief that it aids those affected.”

Local Government Commendation

Waverley council, the local authority that employs many professional lifeguards, said that the team acted heroically from the second the shooting started until late that nighttime.

“There have been so many powerful narratives, but the widely-circulated picture of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help assist the injured is remarkable,” stated a local official.

“Our lifeguards demonstrate dedication every day in maintaining the safety of our world-famous coastlines secure for the public, but what we witnessed on that evening should be celebrated.

“As we grieve and come to terms with the horror of this violent and horrific act of violence, I think it is important that we consider just how much light we have observed in the presence of such hatred.”