As Swimmers Fled Danger, Popular Photo Depicts Rescuer Dashing ‘Pedal to the Metal’ In the Direction of the Scene.

Alexandra Ching, a permanent resident of Bondi, views the renowned shoreline as her own backyard. On that particular weekend evening, she, like many local residents, detected pops ringing out through the neighbourhood.

“That was the initial assumption, but I considered it was still too bright and there was nothing visible,” Ching states. Stepping out of her home, she witnessed people “flooding up Bondi Road”. Their expressions they wore told her something was wrong.

While standing on the road, talking to a duo who had rushed up the slope still dripping wet, she noticed someone moving up at her rear. This turned out to be a lifeguard, dashing towards Bondi without shoes from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – roughly 1.5km – while holding a defibrillator.

“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I just saw this streak in blue,” she recounts. “He was zooming past. He was alone running in the direction that everyone was trying to get away from, carrying that large equipment and unshod … He moved at something that certainly every fibre in your being would instruct you to move in the reverse way.

“Absolutely no pause, but just fully pedal to the metal running.”

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 among numerous moments of courage in the wake of the tragic event.

Andy Reid, a second beach safety officer, explained that Doolan, known as “Jacko”, ran from Tamarama beach to back up the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to work with surf lifesavers, officers and paramedics treating many the injured.

Local Outpouring and Solidarity

Doolan’s actions was a single example among several to come out of the local area, with the beach facility beside the site of the attack transforming into a temporary medical station. It was shared that other team members were also seen helping out, including entering the water to rescue people who were struggling.

In the days after the events, statements of gratitude flooded in. An online statement expressed appreciation for the lifeguards who exhibited that “kindness will always conquer evil”.

The group of rescuers published a statement, explaining they were “coming to terms with what occurred”.

“Our thanks go out to all for your supportive messages and encouragement. We are touched by the kindness directed at our responders,” the team wrote. “In time, we will recount our experiences in the belief that it aids those involved.”

Council Praise

Waverley council, the local authority that employs many full-time lifeguards, said that the staff acted heroically from the second the shooting began through to late that nighttime.

“There have been so many moving narratives, but the widely-circulated photo of Jackson Doolan, racing from Tamarama to Bondi with a medical device so he could help preserve life is remarkable,” commented a council representative.

“These individuals show dedication every day in ensuring our internationally renowned beaches safe for visitors, but what we witnessed on that day should be celebrated.

“While we mourn and come to terms with the atrocity of this heinous tragedy, I think it is crucial that we reflect on just how much positivity we have observed in the presence of such evil.”