‘This is our sanctuary’: A multitude of Lifesavers Assemble to Pay tribute to Shooting Victims.

Standing silently at the surf on Bondi beach, hand in hand with nearly 1,000 colleagues, Lockie Cook let himself feel the anguish of a area's most traumatic week in modern times.

“It feels like my defences are coming down,” he said.

Beach rescuers came together in large numbers on Saturday morning to observe two minutes of silence and honour those lost in the tragic shooting.

Infants, elders, locals and classmates wearing distinctive lifesaving gear held each other, forming a line running from the crescent-shaped beach’s north side to its south end.

“The key realization to emerge from this tragedy is just the extent that this community means to me,” he said.

“This is our church … It’s just important we unite and begin to mend.”

A Time of Silent Reflection

At 8.15am, the moment of quiet was announced by a man at the beach’s primary observation point, near which had been laid clusters of floral memorials.

“120 seconds can be a very long time but take this time for introspection,” he said.

“Link arms with the soul next to you, shut your eyes and think about the those who are suffering so we can rebuild with strength for this community.”

Lifesavers stared at their feet or to the distance as the community and its leaders stood by. All that could be heard were waves on the shore, a single barking dog and a overhead rescue helicopter, which flew along the beachfront as the moment concluded.

Taking Back the Shore

People gathered slowly hugged one another and clap for their colleagues at the other side of the beach as applause came from the observing onlookers.

This was another example of the lifesavers working to bring together the community this past week, noted one man, a local of the north club and a person who assisted on the day of the attack.

“At this moment, I am filled with the compassion and solidarity,” said the participant, who asked not to be named.

Having lived at Bondi for decades, he took part in the memorial paddle on Monday and has focused on healing on the beach as his own.

“It was like reclaiming a space, it’s cathartic,” he added.

The Guiding Spirit of Lifesaving

Gene Ross, a experienced lifesaving teacher, spent the quiet time next to his just-trained son, reflecting on the togetherness his club had demonstrated in the days following Sunday.

“Choosing to do the tragedy here … prompted Australia to stand with the community.”

Scores of volunteers shared tears and smiles together as they walked back in the direction of their clubs and through the area where their teammates saved lives on Sunday.

A significant number remained on the shore, prepared to assist people returning to the water.

“Our duty is to all and that’s the guiding spirit of beach rescue,” Ross said.

“This is our purpose as lifesavers: we head into the emergency.”