Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Scott Ruskan Credited With Saving 165 People

A U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, saved 165 people during his very first rescue mission amid the catastrophic flash flooding on the Guadalupe River.

Ruskan was tasked with saving victims on the ground and coordinating evacuations alongside 12 rescue helicopters from multiple agencies.

United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, posted Ruskan’s recovery efforts on X, calling him an “American Hero”.

Ruskan told the New York Post that saving people in dire situations, to him, was why he got into doing this job.

“This is what it’s all about, right? Like, this is why we do the job,” Ruskan, a New Jersey native and former KPMG accountant, said. “This is why we take those risks all the time. This is why like Coast Guard men and women, are risking their lives every day.”

Ruskin joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 2021. After completing basic training, he advanced to the elite Aviation Survival Technician school in Petaluma, California, known for its intense physical and mental demands. Upon graduation, he was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he now serves as a rescue swimmer.

Since completing his training, Ruskan had been on call starting in November, preparing for his first mission. During that time, he became familiar with the Coast Guard’s iconic MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and took additional rescue swimmer courses while awaiting deployment.

The Young Man’s First Rescue Operation: An Incredible Success

Helicopter search and rescue technician with Texas Task Force 1, Bryan Winchell, reached out to the Coast Guard for immediate air and ground support as the fast-moving emergency unfolded in Texas.

“That’s a little bit outside our area of operation normally, but people were in danger, and we’re a good asset to try and help people out, and these guys were asking for help, so that’s kind of what we do,” Ruskan said.

With roads completely washed out and floodwaters too dangerous for boats to access, helicopters became the only lifeline for nearly 200 people awaiting rescue, the Post reported.

In a pre-mission briefing, the crew allegedly decided to deploy Ruskan on the ground, where he would assess conditions, prioritize evacuations, and direct the rescue operation.

While on the ground, Ruskan cared for frightened and injured campers, many barefoot and still wearing pajamas from their nighttime escape. Ruskan directed Army Blackhawk 60s and MH-65s to areas of survivors to bring them to safety.

“My main job was triaging, and then my second job I kind of picked up was just trying to comfort these kids and the family members and counselors,” Ruskan said. “I mean this is like, probably the worst day of their life. They’re in a terrible situation, they have friends and family unaccounted for, missing, unknown status, and they’re looking to me and all the rescuers for guidance and comfort.”

The young Coast Guardsman said while he is proud of the work that has been accomplished, there is still more to go, with many people still unaccounted for in the dangerous floodwaters.

“So we basically got the majority of the people out of Camp Mystic, which is awesome. And I feel like we did a lot of good that day, but obviously it’s still super sad,” he said. “There’s still a lot of people missing and unaccounted for, so the mission’s not over yet. It’s not over for us.”

For more information on how to donate to those impacted by the devastating floods in Texas Hill Country visit the post below.