26-Year-Old Camp Mystic Rescuer Who Saved 165 Says: 'The Kids on the Ground Are the Real Heroes'

A 26-year-old Coast Guard Petty Officer, Scott Ruskan, has emerged as a beacon of courage during the catastrophic flash flooding at Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp in Kerr County, Texas.

As the sole triage coordinator, Ruskan orchestrated the rescue of 165 campers and staff on 4 July 2025, guiding groups of 10 to 15 to safety via helicopters amidst a 26-foot surge of the Guadalupe River.

Hailing from Houston, Ruskan joined the Coast Guard at 19, driven by a passion for service honed through lifeguard training and disaster response drills.

In a statement shared by Katie Couric, he humbly deflected praise: 'The kids on the ground are the real heroes', crediting their resilience.

Led a Daring Rescue

Ruskan's role was pivotal when torrential rains, exceeding 10 inches, overwhelmed Camp Mystic, a 92-year-old Christian camp hosting 700 girls.

Stationed at the site, he coordinated with the Texas National Guard and United Cajun Navy, navigating treacherous conditions to evacuate stranded campers.

His quick thinking saved lives, though he mourned those lost, including camp owner Dick Eastland and counsellor Chloe Childress.

Ruskan's training in high-stakes environments, including Hurricane Harvey relief in 2017, prepared him for the crisis.

Senator Amy Klobuchar praised his 'incredible heroism', noting his efforts saved 165 lives, though he emphasised the bravery of the children who followed his instructions under duress.

Toll of a Tragedy

As of 9 July 2025, the Camp Mystic tragedy has claimed 110 lives, including 161 reported still missing.

The Guadalupe River's rapid rise, reaching its second-highest level on record, submerged cabins like the Bubble Inn, where younger girls slept. Search efforts continue with drones and dive teams, but further rain threatens to hinder progress.

Governor Greg Abbott described the camp as 'combined law enforcement efforts', pledging relentless recovery efforts.

The National Weather Service issued an early warning of 'life-threatening flooding', but staffing shortages at forecast offices may have delayed critical alerts, raising questions about preparedness.

Damage estimates reach £100 million ($125 million), with families facing profound loss.

Voices of Resilience

Survivor accounts reveal both horror and heroism. Stella Thompson, 13, described evacuating via military trucks, recalling 'kayaks in trees' and a camp unrecognisable amidst the devastation.

Caroline Cutrona, a counsellor at Cypress Lake, thought the shaking cabins were due to a thunderstorm, unaware of the flood's severity due to the camp's no-phone policy.

X user @Rainmaker1973 highlighted Ruskan's efforts: 'Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan shares how he helped save 165 people during the devastating Texas floods at Camp Mystic'.

@AC360 echoed: '"I've never seen anything this tragic in my life": U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan, who is hailed as a hero'.

Exposing Systemic Flaws

The tragedy exposes vulnerabilities in flood preparedness. Kerr County's decision to forgo warning sirens, citing cost, left Camp Mystic reliant on delayed alerts.

Rep. Joaquin Castro criticised 'cuts to the National Weather Service' that may have weakened forecasting, a claim echoed by experts warning of underfunded infrastructure.

President Trump has promised federal aid, but his potential visit remains unconfirmed, fuelling debate about leadership visibility.

The camp's evacuation plans, designed for more minor floods, failed against the river's unprecedented surge, prompting calls for stricter safety protocols at summer camps nationwide.

Rallying for Reform

Scott Ruskan's heroism, paired with the bravery of young survivors like Emily and Mia, shines a light amid the tragedy at Camp Mystic.

Yet, the loss of 110 lives demands accountability and reform. Parents and communities must push for robust early warning systems, mandatory evacuation drills, and adequate funding for weather services.

Ruskan's humility, calling the children the 'real heroes', inspires us to honour the victims by advocating for safer camps.