Texas floods: Scott Ruskin hailed ‘American Hero’ after saving 165 lives

Scott Ruskin, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, who saved 165 people amid Texas floods tragedy received massive public recognition and was titled “American Hero” by the U.S. government on July 06, 2025.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, turned to X and posted: “United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskin, directly saved an astonishing 165 victims in the devastating flooding in central Texas.”

Kristi continued praising the swimmer: “This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene.”

“Scott Ruskin is an American hero. His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the U.S. Coast Guard,” Secretary concluded at high note.

Central Texas, U.S, is hit by devastating floods and causes 82 deaths and dozens of people are still missing. The Taxes floods started on July 4, 2025 after heavy rainfall and Guadalupe River water rose to uncontrolled level. Most affected area is Kerr County, particularly Camp Mystic, which tragically accounts for 40 of the deaths.

Who is Scott Ruskin?

Scott, 26, a New Jerseyan, joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 2021 at Aviation Survival Technician (AST) school. Disaster responder served as swift action medical coordinator in his first ever mission with joint rescue operation by US Army, National Guard and Coast Guard’s 12 helicopters in Texas floods catastrophe.