Scott Ruskan saves 165 lives during deadly Texas floods

In the aftermath of severe floods that struck Central Texas, particularly affecting Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp near Kerrville, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer named Scott Ruskan played a pivotal role in saving lives. The catastrophic flooding, worsened by stalled rainfall along the Guadalupe River, resulted in numerous casualties, with authorities reporting a rising death toll and ongoing search operations for unaccounted campers. On July 5, 2025, Ruskan, deployed from Corpus Christi, initially targeted the camp where approximately 200 children were located. As the floods surged rapidly, with water levels rising from about three feet to over twenty-eight feet, Ruskan and his team faced significant challenges. Once on-site, they discovered a chaotic situation—fearful children trapped in their cabins while counselors struggled to facilitate rescues. Ruskan, recognized as the sole triage coordinator at the scene, quickly organized evacuation efforts and focused on providing a calm presence in the midst of panic. Utilizing helicopters and coordinating with rescuers from the National Guard, he ensured that the campers were transported to safety. While Ruskan successfully rescued 165 victims during this operation, the tragedy deepened with reports confirming the deaths of at least 82 individuals, including 28 children. The heart-wrenching impact of this disaster was underscored by the loss of life at Camp Mystic, where many campers and counselors were unaccounted for. U.S. officials expressed condolences and admiration for those who bravely assisted in rescue efforts, including Ruskan's exemplary actions. As the recovery efforts continued, officials remained focused on locating missing individuals. The incident prompted President Trump to declare a major disaster in the region, allowing for federal assistance to aid in the ongoing response. Local, state, and national first responders collaborated tirelessly to search for survivors and provide support to affected families. Ruskan's humility shone through as he insisted that he was simply fulfilling his duty—a sentiment echoed by his fellow responders, emphasizing the collective commitment to serve in times of crisis.