Hero in the Storm: Coast Guard Swimmer Saves 165 on His First Mission
A Beacon of Courage Amid Central Texas Floods
During the relentless floods that ravaged Central Texas over the July 4 weekend, one figure rose above the chaos—Petty Officer Scott Ruskan. At just 26, on his very first deployment as a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Ruskan saved an incredible 165 lives, including children, seniors, and campers stranded in rapidly rising floodwaters.
Disaster at Camp Mystic
Torrential rains sent the Guadalupe River surging, turning the tranquil Camp Mystic summer retreat in Kerr County into a life-threatening trap. Roads vanished beneath floodwaters, cabins became islands, and panic set in among the hundreds stranded. Emergency calls flooded in, triggering a massive multi-agency rescue response.
Based in Corpus Christi, Ruskan and his team launched into the storm, flying low through treacherous weather to reach the camp. What awaited them was a rescue mission unlike any training could fully prepare for—a test of skill, stamina, and unyielding resolve.
Calm Amid the Chaos
On the ground, Ruskan wasted no time. He swiftly triaged evacuees, coordinated airlifts, and personally helped stranded families onto helicopters. Children clung tightly to counselors, seniors waded through waist-high water, and parents shielded their infants—all under his watchful care.
Hours passed in a blur of life-saving action, with Ruskan playing a key role in evacuating 165 people from the flood’s grip. Reflecting on the mission, he humbly credited the courage of those on-site: “The real heroes were the kids and staff on the ground.”
A Nation Takes Notice
Word of Ruskan’s heroism spread like wildfire. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly lauded his efforts as “an inspiring reminder of what selfless service truly means.” Social media exploded with praise, with countless tributes crowning Ruskan a modern-day American hero.
Yet for Ruskan, there was never a quest for fame. “I was just doing my job,” he said quietly. “You train for these moments, but nothing really prepares you for the emotions—seeing scared kids, reuniting families—it hits you deep.”
Historic Floods Leave Texas Reeling
The Central Texas floods rank among the worst in recent memory, leaving dozens dead, hundreds displaced, and communities shattered. Entire neighborhoods vanished beneath rising waters, while emergency crews race against time to find those still missing.
Authorities warn that flood dangers remain high, with saturated earth and more storms on the horizon. Amid this ongoing crisis, survivors at Camp Mystic and beyond express profound gratitude—not just for their rescue, but for the unwavering dedication of responders like Ruskan, whose calm courage brought hope in the darkest hours.
One Mission, 165 Lives Saved
As rescue operations press forward across the flood-ravaged region, Petty Officer Scott Ruskan’s extraordinary story stands as a testament to the power of one person’s bravery. His very first mission became a beacon of triumph—not only for the Coast Guard, but for every heart inspired by his fearless rise above the storm.