In the wake of a terror attack during a Hanukah celebration in Bondi on Sunday, lifeguard Jackson Doolan became a symbol of heroism. In the panic, Doolan ran bare-footed from Tamarama Beach to Bondi. He wore a defibrillator so that he could respond to victims’ assistance needs immediately. His heroic actions have been the subject of much laudatory praise. Together with his colleagues, he has illustrated the valor of the community even amidst this painful period of loss.
The brutal and random attack happened at a joyful festival, forcing the head of lifeguards, police, and ambulance response to react. As bullets started to fly, Doolan and his partner on the beach that day, fellow lifeguard Rory Davey, sprang into action. Davey waded into the ocean to save two people caught in life-threatening conditions, offering a glimpse of the urgency behind the incident.
Doolan’s walk from Tamarama Beach, about 1.5 kilometers (about a mile) distance along the coast, was documented in a stunning photo that went instantly viral. The lifeguard clubhouse near the scene transformed into a makeshift hospital, where responders treated dozens of victims throughout the night. Following the attack, Doolan posted on Instagram recently to give an update. He wanted to reassure his followers that he and his fellow lifeguards were okay.
Waverley Council are full-time lifeguards tasked with patrolling Bondi and its nearby beaches. Our teammates at the Department of Public Health praised the team’s swift and smart response. Mayor Will Nemesh expressed gratitude to Jackson Doolan for his courageous act. Clarence noted that there are many inspiring stories out there, the sight of Doolan sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a defibrillator to save lives is one for the ages.
While the community’s gratitude was focused on Doolan, congratulations to the whole lifeguard crew came with recognition of their daily commitment to duty. The Bondi lifeguards expressed their feelings regarding the event in a statement: “Thank you all for your kind messages and support. We are deeply touched by the outpouring of compassion and support for our responders.” They want to prove that no stone was left unturned when it came to assistance for impact survivors.
Andy Reid, a lifeguard who watched the dramatic scene unravel, commended Doolan’s bravery as the shark attack was underway. He told them, “I can’t imagine what you guys had to see and go through.” He continued, “You are all extraordinary human beings.” Reid shared that admiration with unequivocal enthusiasm. “You’re the reason I’m thankful to live in a world where you can demonstrate that kindness always defeats evil.”
Ching, who got Doolan’s photo, called the moment “extraordinary,” adding that his run to Bondi was clearly without fear. “Like a just totally pedal to the metal sprinting,” she said of Doolan’s resolve to help.
We think the lifeguards’ actions during this recent and tragic event represent the usual commitment of these lifeguards to public safety. Every single day, they exemplify the spirit of selflessness in to look after the safety of beachgoers at Bondi and all across Australia. As they process and grieve what happened this past Sunday, their determination is undaunted.