Parents of Camp Mystic Victim Champion Nationwide Summer Camp Safety Reforms
Patrick Marsh returned to the Bubble Inn cabin at Camp Mystic, sitting in the corner where his 8-year-old daughter Sarah's bunk once stood. The view from the window delivered a visceral blow—safety from the rising floodwaters that took her life was merely a short walk away, he recounted. This stark reality solidified his conviction that the tragedy was "100% preventable."
"From where Sarah slept to high ground where she would have been safe—just 50 yards. All they had to do was walk up a hill," Patrick Marsh emphasized in an interview. Sarah Marsh of Birmingham, Alabama, was among the 27 campers and counselors who perished when floodwaters overwhelmed cabins at the Texas camp on July 4, 2025.
Driving Legislative Change Across State Lines
In the wake of the disaster, grieving parents successfully lobbied Texas lawmakers to enact new safety mandates for camps, including detailed emergency plans and robust warning systems. Now, Sarah's parents are urging legislators in Alabama and other states to follow suit, with similar bills already introduced in Missouri.
"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 stated. The proposed Alabama legislation, named the Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act, would compel camps to adhere to stringent safety standards.
Key provisions include:
- Obtaining an emergency preparedness license from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.
- Establishing comprehensive emergency and evacuation protocols.
- Prohibiting cabin construction in floodplains.
- Mandating weather radios and notification systems independent of cellular or internet services, which may fail during natural disasters.
Avoidable Catastrophe and Regulatory Gaps
"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 reflected. He believes that with proper precautions, "Sarah would be sitting in school right now."
While investigating camp regulations, the Marshes expressed shock at the minimal oversight compared to schools and other child-centric institutions. "It was a big surprise, both in Texas and here, to see how little is required and is just self-regulated," noted Sarah's mother, Dr. Jill Marsh.
The couple advocates for camp safety laws that address regional risks—such as floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and hurricanes—rather than a generic approach. "These gaps exist not only in Texas, but in Alabama and across the country," affirmed Rep. David Faulkner, the bill's sponsor.
Remembering Sarah's Vibrant Spirit
Sarah, the younger of two siblings, was described by her parents as exuberant, blending sass and sweetness in an infectious manner. "She was just excited about everything," Jill Marsh shared. "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 passions included sushi—especially California rolls—candy, and, above all, connecting with people. Photos from that summer capture Sarah joyfully showcasing her splits, embodying the camp experience she cherished. Jill Marsh testified before the House State Government Committee, expressing her desire for Sarah to be remembered for her "incredible, beautiful life," not solely her death, and for her legacy to ensure child safety during such formative experiences.
Legislative Progress and Broader Implications
The committee has advanced the bill, which enjoys support from Governor Kay Ivey, to the full House of Representatives. The Marshes clarify that their goal is not to shutter camps or overburden responsible operators. "We are not anti-camp," Patrick Marsh asserted. "We want kids to go to camp and have these experiences. We just want them to be safe."
They note that many camps already meet the proposed standards, including thorough emergency plans and staff training. "It's about making sure that last 10% gets on board," he added. While nothing can restore their daughter, the Marshes believe stronger oversight could spare other families from similar heartbreak, transforming tragedy into a catalyst for nationwide safety enhancements.
