As Beachgoers Fled Violence, Popular Photo Shows Beach Patrol Running ‘Pedal to the Metal’ Towards the Site.
Alexandra Ching, a permanent resident of Bondi, has always considered the iconic shoreline as her personal space. On that particular weekend night, she, like many neighbors, noticed pops ringing out through the suburb.
“We all thought the same, but I reasoned it was too light and there was nothing visible,” Ching recounts. Exiting her apartment, she observed people “pouring up Bondi Road”. Their expressions she saw made it clear trouble had occurred.
Positioned on the avenue, speaking to a duo who had rushed up the slope in their swimwear, she became aware of someone moving up from behind. It was a beach patrol officer, sprinting to Bondi barefoot from the adjacent Tamarama beach – roughly 1.5km – while holding a medical device.
“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I just saw this streak in blue,” Ching describes. “He was just flying past. He was the only one running in the direction that everyone was trying to get away from, while holding that sizeable pack and barefoot … He moved at something that undoubtedly every instinct would tell you to run in the other direction.
“Absolutely no pause, but just completely pedal to the metal racing.”
A Symbol of Courage Amidst Chaos
The photograph Ching captured of the rescuer, since identified as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as a prime example of acts of valour in the following of the terror attack.
Andy Reid, a second beach safety officer, explained that Doolan, called “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to back up the other members at Bondi, as well as to help emergency personnel, law enforcement and paramedics treating numerous victims.
Collective Outpouring and Assistance
Doolan’s actions was a single example among several to be shared by the local area, with the beach facility next to the scene of the violence serving as a impromptu treatment center. It was shared that fellow lifeguards were also seen taking action, including entering the surf to rescue people in distress.
Following the tragedy, messages of support circulated widely. One post shared appreciation for the responders who showed that “goodness will always triumph over evil”.
The team of rescuers issued a statement, explaining they were “still trying to comprehend what occurred”.
“We are grateful all for your supportive sentiments and encouragement. We are touched by the kindness directed at our responders,” the team wrote. “When ready, we will recount our experiences in the aim that it supports those impacted.”
Council Commendation
Waverley council, the governing body that oversees many full-time lifeguards, stated that the team acted heroically from the second the incident started through to late that nighttime.
“We have heard so many moving stories, but the widely-circulated picture of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help assist the injured is extraordinary,” said a council representative.
“These individuals show altruism every day in maintaining the safety of our internationally renowned coastlines protected for surfers and swimmers, but what we witnessed on that day should be commended.
“During this time of sorrow and come to terms with the atrocity of this violent and horrific terrorist attack, I think it is vital that we reflect on just how much good we have observed in the face of such hatred.”
