Scott Ruskan. Credit: Facebook, Scott Ruskan
A young U.S. Coast Guard swimmer is being hailed a hero after rescuing more than 200 people during his first-ever mission, as deadly flash floods swept through Texas over the July 4 weekend.
Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, based in Corpus Christi, was deployed to Kerr County, where torrential rain caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes, washing away homes, vehicles, and campgrounds – including Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp.
Devastating Texas floods leave 119 dead and dozens missing
The flash floods struck central Texas with little warning, killing at least 119 people and leaving over 170 still missing, according to CNN.
Ruskan’s bravery in the face of danger
Despite being on his first official rescue mission, Ruskan found himself as the only triage coordinator at the camp, where hundreds of children were stranded.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, he directly rescued 165 people and provided medical help to dozens more – assisting around 230 flood victims in total.
“I saw a huge crowd of about 200 kids at a campsite,” Ruskan told Fox & Friends. “We were like, ‘Cool, that’s where we’re going to go and get as many people out as we can.’”
Speaking to Good Morning America, he recalled:
“They were all scared, terrified, cold, having probably the worst day of their lives.”
Ruskan’s quick thinking and bravery have earned national recognition.
“This was the first rescue mission of his career, and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene,” wrote Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on X. “His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the @USCG.”
The Coast Guard had received an alert from Texas A&M Task Force at 5:57 am on July 4. Teams were quickly mobilised to several impacted sites.
Who is Scott Ruskan?
Ruskan grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Rider University in 2021. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 2022, and now works as a rescue swimmer – one of the most physically demanding roles in the service.
“I really just relied on the training we get,” he said. “Coast Guard rescue swimmers get some of the highest-level training in the world.”
As recovery efforts continue across Texas, Ruskan’s actions have brought a powerful message of hope during one of the state’s darkest moments.
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