When Beachgoers Escaped Violence, Viral Photo Depicts Beach Patrol Sprinting ‘Pedal to the Metal’ In the Direction of the Site.

Alexandra Ching, a lifelong local of Bondi, views the iconic coast as her back yard. On a recent Sunday evening, she, along with numerous local residents, heard cracking sounds reverberating through the neighbourhood.

“We all thought the same, but I considered it was too light and you couldn't spot any lights,” Ching recounts. Exiting her residence, she observed people “flooding up Bondi Road”. Their expressions she saw made it clear a crisis was unfolding.

As she stood on the street, conversing with a pair who had run up the slope still dripping wet, she became aware of someone coming up at her rear. It was a beach patrol officer, dashing in the direction of Bondi without shoes from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while holding a life-saving kit.

“I caught a voice saying ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I only caught a glimpse of this streak in blue,” Ching describes. “He was just flying past. He was alone heading in the direction that all the others was trying to get away from, while holding that sizeable pack and without footwear … He moved into something that surely every part of you would signal you to run in the other direction.

“Just no hesitation, but just totally pedal to the metal racing.”

An Iconic Image of Bravery During Chaos

The photo Ching captured of the rescuer, since identified as Jackson Doolan, rapidly circulated as among numerous moments of valour in the following of the terror attack.

Andy Reid, another lifeguard, says that Doolan, referred to as “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to back up the other members at Bondi, as well as to aid other rescuers, officers and medical teams attending to dozens of those hurt.

Collective Outpouring and Support

Doolan’s story was part of a broader narrative to be shared by the neighbourhood, with the patrol base next to the location of the attack serving as a makeshift treatment center. Reports indicate that fellow lifeguards were also seen taking action, including entering the surf to rescue people who were struggling.

After the events, messages of appreciation were shared. A social media message shared thanks for the responders who exhibited that “goodness will always conquer hatred”.

The team of lifeguards later shared a communication, explaining they were “coming to terms with what occurred”.

“We are grateful all for your supportive words and support. We are touched by the care directed at our personnel,” the team wrote. “In time, we will share our stories in the aim that it aids those involved.”

Council Praise

Waverley council, the governing body that hires many full-time beach safety officers, remarked that the staff performed exceptionally from the second the incident started right into late that night.

“We have heard so many emotional 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 mayor.

“The team demonstrate dedication every day in keeping our iconic coastlines safe for visitors, but what we saw on that evening should be highly praised.

“During this time of sorrow and process the atrocity of this heinous act of violence, I think it is crucial that we consider just how much good we have seen in the presence of such hatred.”