NJ Coast Guard rescue swimmer assists in saving 165 children from Texas floods.

In the wake of catastrophic flooding in Texas, a 26-year-old U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer from New Jersey has emerged as a remarkable figure in the ongoing recovery efforts. Scott Ruskan, originally from Oxford Township in Warren County, is credited with saving approximately 165 individuals, primarily girls from the all-girls Camp Mystic, which was severely affected by the disaster.

Reports indicate that as of Tuesday, more than 160 individuals remained unaccounted for following the floods, and the official death toll has reached 100, with the potential for further increases as rescue operations continue. The flooding was a result of the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, which unleashed an unprecedented amount of rain across central Texas, causing the Guadalupe River to rise dramatically. The river swelled by 26 feet in just 45 minutes, inundating campsites and catching many off guard during the holiday weekend.

As torrential rains fell and floodwaters roared through Kerr County, Ruskan was dispatched from Air Station Corpus Christi early on Friday morning. His first mission involved a challenging and extended flight through treacherous weather conditions that took approximately seven to eight hours, covering a distance normally requiring just an hour of travel. Upon his arrival at Camp Mystic, a challenging scene awaited him; it was here that the reality of the disaster became apparent.

Despite being the only first responder on site initially, Ruskan organized efforts to rescue about 200 children and adults who were in a state of panic and fear due to the flooding. Drawing on his comprehensive training, he focused on triaging the terrified, cold campers, facilitating their safe transport to higher ground and medical care.

Rescue operations necessitated the use of Army helicopters, which were stationed at two landing zones. Ruskan played a crucial role in guiding the traumatized survivors—often assisting the youngest children—through perilous conditions, including slippery rocks, to the waiting helicopters. His efforts to airlift the campers were underscored by a profound sense of duty and compassion, as many of the children were barefoot and in dire need of assistance.

Though Ruskan has been hailed as a hero by the Department of Homeland Security and many others, he remains humble, attributing much of the success of the rescue efforts to the resilience displayed by the children. His experience highlights both the challenges faced during natural disasters and the indomitable human spirit that can emerge, offering hope amid tragedy.

This event marks a significant chapter in the ongoing story of disaster response in Texas and serves to remind the public of both the risks associated with extreme weather events and the heroism displayed by first responders like Ruskan. As recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on reuniting families and providing support for those impacted by this devastating event.

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