Camp Mystic parents seek stronger camp regulations in other states

Patrick Marsh returned to Camp Mystic’s Bubble Inn cabin, sitting in the corner where his 8-year-old daughter Sarah’s bunk once stood. Looking out the window, he was struck by a devastating realization: safety from the flood that claimed her life had been just a short walk away.

“From where Sarah slept to high ground where she would have been safe — 50 yards. All they had to do was walk up a hill,” Marsh said in an interview, reinforcing his belief that the tragedy was “100% preventable.”

Sarah Marsh of Birmingham, Alabama, was among 27 campers and counselors who perished when floodwaters engulfed cabins at the Texas summer camp on July 4, 2025. In the aftermath of this catastrophe, grieving families channeled their pain into action, successfully pushing Texas legislators to implement stricter camp safety requirements, including mandatory emergency plans and warning systems.

Now, Sarah’s parents are expanding their advocacy beyond Texas, urging lawmakers in Alabama and other states to strengthen regulations for summer camps. Similar legislative initiatives have been introduced in Missouri as parents nationwide recognize the need for improved safety protocols.

“As we learned more and more about what happened at Mystic, the more we realized there were a lot of things that went wrong,” Patrick Marsh explained, highlighting the systemic failures that contributed to the disaster.

The proposed Alabama legislation, named the “Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act,” would establish comprehensive safety standards for summer camps operating within the state. Key provisions include requiring camps to obtain emergency preparedness licenses from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, develop detailed evacuation plans, and maintain communication systems that function even when cellular and internet services fail during natural disasters. The bill would also prohibit the construction of cabins in flood-prone areas.

“The flood itself was an act of God, and there’s nothing you can do to stop the flood. But how you prepare for the possibility of flooding, how you handle it in the moment, those things were handled so poorly,” Patrick Marsh said. He firmly believes that with proper safety measures, “Sarah would be sitting in school right now.”

While researching camp regulations, the Marshes were shocked by the minimal oversight compared to schools and other institutions responsible for children’s safety. “It was a big surprise, both in Texas and here, to see how little is required and is just self-regulated,” said Dr. Jill Marsh, Sarah’s mother.

The couple emphasizes that camp safety laws should address regional-specific risks rather than applying a universal approach. From floods and tornadoes in the Midwest to wildfires in the West and hurricanes along the coast, each area faces distinct natural hazards requiring tailored emergency protocols.

Sarah, the younger of two siblings, was remembered by her parents as an exuberant child with an infectious personality that blended sass and sweetness. “She was just excited about everything,” Jill Marsh recalled. “She was always wrangling kids to play, to do gymnastics, to try something new. She was good at seeing people that were maybe left out or sad and would try to encourage them.”

Her parents described her love for sushi, particularly California rolls, candy, and most importantly, people. Photos from her final summer at camp show Sarah joyfully displaying her gymnastic splits during various activities, clearly having the time of her life before tragedy struck.

Testifying before the House State Government Committee on Wednesday, Jill Marsh expressed her desire for Sarah to be remembered for her “incredible, beautiful life,” not just her death. She hopes Sarah’s legacy will help ensure the safety of children as they experience the joys of summer camp.

The committee advanced the bill, which has received backing from Governor Kay Ivey, to the full House of Representatives.

Representative David Faulkner, the bill’s sponsor, highlighted how the Camp Mystic disaster exposed critical gaps in safety systems. “These gaps exist not only in Texas, but in Alabama and across the country,” Faulkner noted.

The Marshes clarify that their advocacy isn’t aimed at shutting down camps or burdening those already implementing responsible practices. “We are not anti-camp,” Patrick Marsh emphasized. “We want kids to go to camp and have these experiences. We just want them to be safe.”

They acknowledge that many camps already meet the standards proposed in the legislation, including having comprehensive emergency plans and staff training. “It’s about making sure that last 10% gets on board.”

While nothing can bring their daughter back, the Marshes believe stronger oversight and safety regulations could spare other families from experiencing the same devastating loss.