American Hero Scott Ruskan Saves 165 Lives in Texas Flash Floods: A Coast Guard Story of Bravery

July 7, 2025 | clickusanews.com

Scott Ruskan, Texas Flash Floods 2025, Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, Camp Mystic, Guadalupe River, American Hero, Kristi Noem

Introduction

In the face of catastrophic flash floods that ravaged Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend in 2025, one man emerged as a beacon of hope and heroism. U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, a 26-year-old New Jersey native, saved an astonishing 165 lives during his first-ever rescue mission. The floods, which claimed at least 78 lives and left 10 girls and one counselor missing from Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River, tested the resilience of communities and responders alike. Ruskan’s extraordinary bravery, humility, and leadership under dire conditions have earned him widespread acclaim, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem calling him an “American hero.” This SEO-optimized article celebrates Ruskan’s inspiring story, his pivotal role in the Texas flood rescues, and the indomitable spirit of service that defines the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Texas Flash Floods: A Catastrophic Disaster

On July 3, 2025, a sudden and relentless storm dumped up to 15 inches of rain across Central Texas, transforming the scenic Hill Country into a deadly flood zone. The Guadalupe River, a lifeline for communities like Kerrville and Hunt, surged by 26 feet in just 45 minutes, washing away homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. Kerr County bore the brunt of the disaster, with 68 confirmed deaths, including 28 children, as reported by Sheriff Larry Leitha on July 6. Among the hardest-hit areas was Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old Christian summer camp for girls, where floodwaters inundated cabins and left 10 campers and one counselor unaccounted for as of July 7.

The rapid onset of the flooding caught residents, campers, and officials off guard. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood watch on July 3, followed by flash flood warnings in the early hours of July 4, but critics argue that staffing shortages and budget cuts under the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative may have delayed critical warnings. Despite these challenges, first responders, including the Texas National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, and local volunteers, mobilized swiftly, rescuing over 850 people in the first 36 hours. Amid this chaos, Scott Ruskan’s actions stood out as a testament to courage and selflessness.

Scott Ruskan: From Accountant to American Hero

A Remarkable Journey

Scott Ruskan, a graduate of Rider University and a former accountant at KPMG, traded a desk job for one of the most physically demanding roles in the U.S. Coast Guard. Enlisting in 2021, Ruskan trained at the Aviation Survival Technician (AST) School in Petaluma, California, enduring grueling physical and technical training to become a rescue swimmer. Stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, since November 2024, he was on call, honing his skills with the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter when the floods struck.

At 26, Ruskan was thrust into his first operational mission under what the New York Post described as “the worst possible environmental conditions.” The Guadalupe River’s raging waters, littered with debris, overturned vehicles, and fallen trees, created a treacherous landscape. Yet Ruskan, as the only triage coordinator on the scene, directed 12 rescue helicopters—including Army Blackhawk 60s and Coast Guard MH-65s—to survivors stranded in trees, on rooftops, and in collapsed cabins. His leadership and bravery saved 165 lives, setting a reported new record for the most lives saved by a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in a single mission, surpassing the previous record of 153 during Hurricane Katrina, according to an X post by user Intelschizo.

A Humble Hero

Despite his extraordinary feat, Ruskan remained humble in an exclusive interview with the New York Post. “I’m just doing a job,” he said. “This is what I signed up for, and I think that any single Coast Guard rescue swimmer or any single Coast Guard pilot, flight mechanic, whoever it may be, would have done the exact same thing in our situation.” He emphasized the collective spirit of the Coast Guard, adding, “That’s what we were asked to do and we’re gonna do it. Any one of us, if anyone else was on duty that day, they would have done the same thing as us. We just happened to be the crew that got the case.”

Ruskan’s humility resonated across social media, with X users like @CollinRugg, @libsoftiktok, and @MarinaMedvin praising his selflessness. His uncle, John Ruskan, proudly shared on social media, “We are very proud of our nephew Scott Ruskan, helping to rescue 165 people in the Texas floods as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. That’s Steve’s son, SPFHS class of 1978.”

The Rescue Operation: A Race Against Time

Ruskan’s Role at Camp Mystic

Camp Mystic, located in Hunt, Texas, was among the hardest-hit sites, with floodwaters destroying cabins and sweeping away campers. Ruskan served as the primary triage coordinator, managing emergency care as helicopters from the Coast Guard, National Guard, and Army converged on the scene. He swam through treacherous waters to reach children and adults clinging to trees and debris, guiding them to safety. His actions were critical in evacuating survivors, including girls from Camp Mystic, where the death toll included 8-year-olds Sarah Marsh and Renee Smajstrla, 9-year-olds Janie Hunt and Lila Bonner, and 8-year-old twins Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence.

A Collective Effort

Ruskan’s heroics were part of a broader response involving over 1,700 responders, including 14 helicopters, 12 drones, and boats. The Texas National Guard, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and local volunteers worked tirelessly, navigating debris and fast-moving waters to rescue survivors. Notable stories of survival included a 22-year-old woman who clung to a tree overnight and a young girl found floating on a mattress. Governor Greg Abbott expanded a state of emergency to cover Kerr, Travis, Tom Green, Burnet, Caldwell, Guadalupe, and Williamson counties, vowing to search “non-stop” until all missing persons were found. President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, ensuring federal resources for recovery efforts.

National Recognition and Calls for Honors

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took to X to spotlight Ruskan’s heroism, writing, “United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, 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.”

The praise extended beyond official channels. Texas Senator Ted Cruz posted on X, “Thank God for American heroes,” alongside a photo of Ruskan, while discussions emerged about nominating him for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Social media users, including @TaraBull808, expressed hope that Ruskan’s “incredible bravery” would be formally recognized. His record-setting rescue, as noted by @Kagan_M_Dunlap, underscored his impact, with one user claiming he assisted in evacuating 169 people, though official reports confirm 165.

Challenges and Controversies

The floods exposed vulnerabilities in Central Texas, a region prone to flash flooding due to its hilly terrain and numerous water crossings. The NWS faced criticism for underestimating the storm’s severity, with a forecast predicting only 3-6 inches of rain compared to the 15 inches that fell. Some officials pointed to Trump administration budget cuts to NOAA, which oversees the NWS, as a factor in staffing shortages that may have delayed warnings. However, the Associated Press reported that the NWS had “extra staff on duty,” and meteorologist Avery Tomasco defended the agency, noting that a flood watch was issued 12 hours before the flood and a flash flood warning three hours prior.

The tragedy also highlighted the risks of camping in flood-prone areas. FEMA flood maps had designated parts of Camp Mystic as “special flood hazard areas,” yet the rapid rise of the Guadalupe River left little time for evacuations. The ongoing search for the missing, including 10 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic, continues to challenge rescuers as additional rainfall threatens further flooding.

A Legacy of Courage

Scott Ruskan’s story is one of extraordinary courage and dedication, embodying the Coast Guard’s motto, Semper Paratus (Always Ready). His transition from a corporate career to a life-saving role reflects a commitment to service that inspires a nation. As Texas grapples with the aftermath of the floods, Ruskan’s actions remind us of the power of individual heroism in the face of overwhelming adversity. His humility, coupled with his record-breaking rescue, has left an indelible mark on the communities he saved and the country that celebrates him.

As the search for survivors continues and Central Texas begins to rebuild, Ruskan’s legacy will endure. Whether through a Medal of Freedom or the gratitude of those he saved, his actions on July 4, 2025, will be remembered as a defining moment of bravery. For updates on the Texas floods or to support recovery efforts, contact the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office at 830-258-1111 or visit clickusanews.com for the latest news.

Keywords: Scott Ruskan, Texas Flash Floods 2025, Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, Camp Mystic Flood, Guadalupe River, American Hero, Kristi Noem, Kerr County Disaster