Camp Mystic parents are seeking stronger camp regulations in other states

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — When Patrick Marsh returned to the Bubble Inn cabin at Camp Mystic, he sat in the corner where his 8-year-old daughter Sarah’s bed was. The view from the window landed like a punch to the gut.

He added that safety from the rising floodwaters that claimed her life was just a short walk away. It reinforced his belief that the tragedy was “100% preventable.”

Read more: Plans to reopen Camp Mystic in Texas have sparked outrage, but some families want to return

“From where Sarah was sleeping to high ground where she was safe – 50 yards. All they had to do was go up the hill,” Patrick Marsh said in an interview.

Sarah Marsh of Birmingham, Alabama, was one of 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic who were swept to their deaths when floodwaters overran cabins at the Texas camp on July 4, 2025. Grieving parents pushed Texas lawmakers to approve new safety requirements for camps, including mandating detailed emergency plans and emergency alarm systems. Sarah’s parents are now urging lawmakers in Alabama and elsewhere to tighten regulations. Similar bills have also been 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 said.

He watches: Parents mourning the loss of their daughter in Texas floods are pushing the state to strengthen camp safety rules

The Alabama bill, called the Sarah Marsh Haven 27 Camp Safety Act, would require camps to meet safety standards, including obtaining an emergency preparedness license from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and developing emergency and evacuation plans. It would also prohibit placing cabins in floodplains. Camps will be required to have weather radios and a notification system that does not rely on cell service or the Internet, which could fail in the event of a natural disaster.

A parent comforts her child during a bill signing ceremony with Texas Governor Greg Abbott on September 5, 2025, addressing camp safety and oversight in response to the deadly July 4 floods at Camp Mystic. Archive photo of Joel Angel Juarez – Reuters

“The flood itself was an act of God, and there’s nothing you can do to stop the flood,” Patrick Marsh said. “But how you prepare for the possibility of a flood, how you deal with it at the moment, those things have been handled very poorly.”

He believes that if it had been done correctly, “Sarah would be sitting in school right now.”

While examining the camp’s systems, Al-Ahwar said they were shocked by the lack of oversight compared to schools and other institutions responsible for children’s safety.

“It was a huge surprise, both in Texas and here, to see how little was required of just self-regulation,” said Sarah’s mother, Dr. Jill Marsh.

He watches: A new analysis reveals that FEMA missed major flood risks at Camp Mystic in Texas

The pair said camping safety laws should reflect regional risks — from floods and hurricanes to wildfires and tornadoes — rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.

The younger of two siblings, Sarah was lively and had an infectious mix of sass and sweetness, her parents said.

“She was excited about everything,” Jill Marsh said. “She was always getting the kids to play, to do gymnastics, to try something new. She was good at seeing people who might be neglectful or sad, and she would try to encourage them.”

They said she loved sushi — especially California rolls — desserts, and most of all, people. You made everyone feel special.

Patrick Marsh said Sarah was excited to go to camp that summer.

Photos from camp that summer show Sarah having the time of her life, often happily showing off her cleavage, regardless of the activity.

Jill Marsh spoke to the House State Government Committee on Wednesday. She said she wanted Sarah to be remembered for her “wonderful, amazing life,” not just her death. She added that Sarah’s legacy could be keeping children safe while experiencing one of the joys of childhood.

The committee advanced the bill, which is supported by Governor Kay Ivey, to the full House of Representatives.

Representative David Faulkner, the bill’s sponsor, said the Camp Mystic tragedy exposed gaps in the safety system. “These gaps exist not just in Texas, but in Alabama and across the country,” Faulkner said.

Al-Ahwar says the goal of the legislation is not to close camps or hold accountable camps that are already operating.

“We are not anti-camp,” Patrick Marsh said. “We want kids to go to camp and have these experiences. We just want them to be safe.”

They said many camps already meet the standards proposed in the bill, including comprehensive emergency plans and staff training. “It’s about making sure the last 10% is involved.”

They said nothing could bring their daughter back. But they believe stronger oversight could save other families from the same loss.