A Coast Guard rescue swimmer from New Jersey is being hailed as a hero after successfully rescuing nearly 200 individuals during flash floods in Central Texas.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, age 26, was commended by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for his remarkable efforts. As the sole triage coordinator present, he managed to save 165 people during the flooding crisis.

“United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskan directly saved an impressive 165 victims in the catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. This was his first-ever rescue mission, and he was the sole triage coordinator on the scene. Scott Ruskan is an American hero. His selfless bravery truly reflects the spirit and mission of the @USCG,” Noem shared on her social media account.

says that as of 1:30pm Sunday they had recovered 68 deceased in Kerr County. 

“Among those who are deceased, we have 40 adults and 28 children. Eighteen adults are pending identification, and 10 children also pending identification. At present, there are 10 Camp Mystic campers unaccounted for, along with one counselor,” they posted to Facebook.

First responders scan the banks of the Guadalupe River for individuals swept away by flooding in Ingram, Texas, Friday, July 4, 2025. (Michel Fortier/The San Antonio Express-News via AP)

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, they said, and there is a full response from local, state, and national first responders.

“We continue to have hundreds of officers, deputies, and support staff working every aspect of this emergency, along with air, water, K9, and other assets conducting search and rescue,” the sheriff’s office said.