Scott Ruskan, a 26-year-old rescue swimmer with the U.S. Coast Guard, is being applauded as an "American hero" after his first mission saw him save 165 people affected by the flash floods in Texas. Newsweek reached out to Ruskan via social media message for comment outside of regular working hours.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan from NJ has been hailed an "American hero" for rescuing those in the Texas floods. Here's what to know.

A 26-year-old New Jersey native is being hailed as a hero for his part in saving at least 165 people from Friday’s devastating floods in Texas, most of them girls from Camp Mystic.