Alabama Lawmakers Propose Camp Safety Act After Tragic Flooding

The proposed legislation aims to prevent future incidents like the death of 8-year-old Sarah Marsh at Camp Mystic.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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After the tragic death of 8-year-old Sarah Marsh at Camp Mystic in Alabama due to flooding, her parents are advocating for stronger safety regulations at camps across the state. The proposed "Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act" would require camps to meet certain safety standards, such as having clear evacuation plans and access to high ground in the event of natural disasters.

Why it matters

The death of Sarah Marsh highlighted the need for improved safety protocols at camps, which often operate with limited oversight. This legislation aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future by ensuring camps have the proper safeguards in place to protect campers.

The details

According to Patrick Marsh, Sarah's father, the high ground where his daughter could have reached safety was only 50 yards away from her cabin. He believes her death was "100% preventable" if the camp had proper safety measures in place. The proposed bill, named after Sarah, would require camps to meet certain safety standards, such as having clear evacuation plans and access to high ground in the event of natural disasters.

  • On February 13, 2026, the Alabama legislature began considering the "Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act".

The players

Patrick Marsh

The father of 8-year-old Sarah Marsh, who died in a tragic flooding incident at Camp Mystic in Alabama.

Sarah Marsh

An 8-year-old girl who died in a flooding incident at Camp Mystic in Alabama.

Camp Mystic

The camp in Alabama where the tragic incident occurred that led to the death of 8-year-old Sarah Marsh.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Patrick Marsh, Sarah Marsh's father (santafenewmexican.com)

What’s next

The Alabama legislature is expected to vote on the "Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act" in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has sparked a push for stronger safety regulations at camps across Alabama, with the goal of preventing similar preventable deaths in the future. The proposed legislation aims to ensure camps have the proper safeguards and evacuation plans in place to protect campers.