Hero in the Storm: Coast Guard Swimmer Saves 165 on First-Ever Mission

A Symbol of Hope Amid Catastrophe

In the heart of the devastating floods that swept through Central Texas over the July 4 weekend, one name emerged as a symbol of courage and hope: Petty Officer Scott Ruskan. On his very first mission as a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, the 26-year-old saved an astonishing 165 lives, many of them children, seniors, and campers stranded in rapidly rising waters.

Disaster Strikes at Camp Mystic
The torrential rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to surge, trapping hundreds at Camp Mystic, a summer retreat in Kerr County, Texas. As floodwaters swallowed roads and cabins, panic grew among those cut off from safety. Emergency calls poured in, prompting a multi-agency rescue effort.

Ruskan, stationed in Corpus Christi, was quickly dispatched. He and his team boarded helicopters in dangerous weather conditions, flying low across flooded terrain to reach the camp. What followed was a rescue operation unlike any he’d trained for—one that would test not only his skills, but his endurance and heart.

Boots on the Ground, Calm in the Chaos
Once on-site, Ruskan didn’t hesitate. He jumped into action—triaging evacuees, organizing airlifts, and physically assisting people onto helicopters. In group after group, children clung to counselors, seniors waded through water, and parents carried infants, all under Ruskan’s watchful eye.

Over several hours, he personally helped coordinate the rescue of 165 individuals. In an interview, he humbly credited the bravery of the camp counselors and the cooperation of the evacuees: “The real heroes were the kids and staff on the ground.”

A Nation Takes Notice
News of Ruskan’s heroism spread quickly. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praised him publicly, calling his efforts “an inspiring reminder of what selfless service looks like.” Social media lit up with tributes, and many hailed Ruskan as a modern-day American hero.

But for Ruskan, it was never about glory. “I was just doing my job,” he said. “You train for these moments, but nothing truly prepares you for the emotions—seeing kids scared, helping families reunite.”

Historic Floods Leave Texas Reeling
The Central Texas floods have been described as some of the worst in recent history, leaving dozens dead, hundreds displaced, and infrastructure in ruins. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, and emergency crews are still working around the clock to locate the missing.

Officials continue to warn of further flood risks, as saturated grounds and more rainfall loom. Meanwhile, survivors like those at Camp Mystic are expressing deep gratitude—for their safety, for the responders, and for the calm, focused young man who never gave up.

One Mission, 165 Lives
As rescue efforts continue across the region, Petty Officer Scott Ruskan’s story stands out as a powerful reminder of what one person can do in the face of overwhelming odds. His first mission became a moment of triumph—not just for the Coast Guard, but for every person who watched him rise above the storm.