Petty Officer Scott Ruskan’s inaugural mission as a US Coast Guard rescue swimmer occurred amidst catastrophic flooding in central Texas during the Fourth of July weekend. At just 26 years old, Ruskan was relatively new to the Coast Guard, having transitioned from a career in accounting to complete rigorous training at rescue swimming school six months prior to the emergency call from Task Force 1, a local search-and-rescue team.
Responding early Friday morning, Ruskan and his team departed Corpus Christi, heading towards the severely affected Kerr County, where the Guadalupe River experienced a staggering rise from three to nearly 30 feet, leading to numerous fatalities and missing individuals. Among those in need of urgent assistance were around 200 campers at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp that had been inundated with floodwaters.
With conventional rescue methods halted due to the treacherous conditions, airlifting became the only viable option for extracting the distressed campers. While local and national first responders flooded the region, Ruskan’s team faced daunting weather on their way to the site. A flight that ordinarily would take an hour extended to six or seven due to severe storms, necessitating multiple attempts to reach their destination, which Ruskan described as some of the worst weather he had encountered.
Upon arriving at Camp Mystic, Ruskan found himself as the sole first responder amidst a group of terrified and cold children, many of whom were left barefoot and struggling to comprehend their dire situation. The camp’s dedicated staff had been hastily coordinating rescues, but the overwhelming circumstances necessitated immediate action.
Despite lacking communication for approximately three hours due to technical difficulties, Ruskan concentrated on offering reassurance and comfort to the young campers, many of whom were missing friends and family. His compassionate presence became a crucial stabilising force in the chaos.
As helicopters arrived, Ruskan prioritised evacuating the youngest campers, ensuring their safety as he guided them to the aircraft. Over time, he successfully assisted in the rescue of approximately 165 children. Tragically, the floods claimed the lives of 27 individuals affiliated with Camp Mystic, including its long-serving director, who perished while attempting to save others.
The Department of Homeland Security later recognised Ruskan’s exceptional bravery, dubbing him an “American hero.” However, Ruskan attributed his success to the other camp counsellors and the resilience displayed by the children, recognising that their courage significantly enhanced his resolve as a rescuer.
Reflecting on the magnitude of the experience, Ruskan acknowledged the profound impact it had on him, highlighting the collective heroism demonstrated during the disaster response.