A Coast Guard rescue swimmer’s first mission became a testament to American heroism as he saved 165 lives during catastrophic Texas floods.
Petty Officer Scott Ruskan single-handedly coordinated rescue efforts at Camp Mystic during Independence Day flooding.
Ruskan, a 26-year-old from Oxford Township, New Jersey, faced impossible odds when his MH-65 Dolphin helicopter arrived at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas.
The Guadalupe River had risen 26 feet in just 45 minutes, destroying bridges and roadways and leaving children stranded with no escape route.
Despite being on his first mission as a rescue swimmer, Ruskan made the courageous decision to stay behind at the camp while his helicopter conducted more rescues in more dangerous areas.
For three hours, he was the only first responder on site with no radio communication, forced to make life-or-death decisions completely on his own.
“They were in need of airlift. There was no other way to get them out. Bridges were gone, roadways were gone, and the water was coming up too high for boat rescue. The only option was airlift,” said Ruskan.
The heroic guardsman prioritized the youngest children for evacuation while comforting those who remained behind.
“It was pretty traumatic. You have a lot of kids who are having probably the worst day of their life, they are missing friends, they are missing loved ones, they don’t know where they are,” Ruskan stated.
The rescue operation faced severe weather challenges that required four attempts just to enter Kerrville.
Scott Ruskan and his aircrew saved 165 lives on their first mission during the Texas floods.
From the U.S. Military to first responders and volunteers — these brave Americans remind us who we are.
When disaster strikes, they don’t run from the storm. They run into it. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/2YhH9Z9T91
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 7, 2025
Ruskan even gave up his own spot on a helicopter to allow more children to be rescued.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recognized Ruskan’s extraordinary courage.
She stated he “directly saved an astonishing 165 victims in the devastating flooding in central Texas.”
“This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene. Scott Ruskan is an American hero. His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the USCG,” Noem added.
The flooding in central Texas has resulted in over 100 deaths, with Camp Mystic being severely affected.
Despite Ruskan’s heroic efforts, 27 people from the camp died, and 11 remain unaccounted for.
Governor Greg Abbott deployed over 1,500 personnel and 925 vehicles in response to the flood.
The Texas National Guard played a significant role by rescuing 366 people by air and 159 by ground.
In a display of humility, Ruskan has deflected praise for his actions, instead crediting his crew and his training.
“I really relied on the training we got. Coast Guard swimmers get some of the highest rescue training in the world,” he told reporters. “Any of the rescue swimmers in the Coast Guard would have done the same thing.”
