June 24, 2026

New Alabama Law Ensures Better Safety For Young Campers

By J. Thomas Wade
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

June 24, 2026

MONTGOMERY, Ala. Alabama offers many summer camps for children but sometimes, they’re not safe and children do get hurt and even die.

But a new state law, known as Sarah Marsh’s Heaven’s Twenty-Seven Camp Safety Act, is prompting camps to review and update their emergency procedures ahead of its implementation which begins on January 1, 2027.

This law specifically mandates how camps are to oversee safety of their staff and campers as well as being prepared for emergencies.
While some summer camps have already taken steps to keep campers safe, they still believe that the law will strengthen safety programs at camps across the state.

At Camp Cosby on Lake Logan Martin, leaders say safety has always been a priority, but the new requirements have provided an opportunity to take a fresh look at existing plans.

“The responsibility that the YMCA has and Camp Cosby has is significant when we’re responsible for the kids and the staff that are here,” said Camp Cosby Executive Director Steve Merifield. “Whatever we can do to make sure our safety procedures are in place and that our staff are prepared, we take that very seriously.”

We looked at statistical data for Alabama and although the average annual death rates at summer camps were infrequent, injuries, ranging from broken bones, medical emergencies and trauma were reported regularly.

There is no single annual figure for camper deaths, as it fluctuates heavily. Over the last few decades, a statistical average has generally ranged from 10 to 20 deaths per year across the millions of children who attend camps nationwide. Causes typically include drowning, sudden medical conditions, and extreme natural disasters.

But in recent years, fatalities at summer camps have risen, many from natural disasters including flooding and tornadoes.

The Alabama legislation was signed into law earlier this year and aims to improve emergency preparedness at camps across the state.

Emergency management agencies are also helping camps prepare for the upcoming changes. Officials say they are working with camp operators to develop, review and update emergency operations plans before the law takes effect.

“They are working together to establish and create EOPs, do reviews and updates,” said Michael Derzis, a Jefferson County Emergency Management officer.

Micheal Duress, a former camp manager for a church youth group said that many small camps can’t afford to have full-time nurses or medics at camp for a week or two at a time and that they have always had to call 911 and helped the injured or sick camper until help arrived.

SUPPORT OUR “LOCAL” NEWS
https://bluerammedia.com/DONATE/