subject: Exploring A Threatening World Safely [print this page] One of the most eye opening and exciting trips you may ever take will be under the surface of the earth. Caves hide a wealth of visual treasure and opportunity for exploration.
Caving is an activity that the entire family can participate in, but there are several rules that should be followed as caving can be quite dangerous. It is much better to be prepared for a disaster in case it occurs, rather than to go in naively and encounter an unlikely disaster without any preparation.
It is best to go with an experienced caver until you have some cave experience yourself. If you do not personally know an experienced caver, you can visit a local caving club and find one.
There would be numerous volunteers who would love to conduct your family safely through a cave. They will know which hazards you may not be familiar with because you have only been above ground.
There are many hazards present below ground that do not exist about ground. Carelessness, inattention, impairment through exhaustion or hypothermia can result in death if you are not familiar with caving.
The proper training, equipment and experienced guide are essential to your first trip into a cave. These things will significantly reduce the hazards that may threaten your life in a cave.
However, keep in mind that these things do not completely get rid of all threats to your life. There are several things you should keep in mind for your first caving trip.
The first thing you should do, as mentioned above, is bring the correct equipment with you. The most basic and essential equipment that you will need to bring includes helmets, proper light sources, and the proper clothing and shoes.
The second rule is that you should never enter a cave by yourself. If you hope to move quickly, a group of three or four can move quickly, but is significantly safer.
If you became injured by yourself, it is likely that you would not be able to get out of the cave. However, with a couple others with you, they will be able to help you.
One person will be able to go for help while the other two attend your wounds. You will be extremely grateful for this if you are injured.
The third rule of caving is that you should always let someone know where you will be caving who will not be with your expedition. This way if your group does not return by the time you are supposed to, someone will know where to look for you.
It eliminates a lot of critical time searching if the rescuers at least know which cave you are in. If someone is injured, this time could be critical.
Give this person a guesstimate of when you should be back. Leave some extra room in case the trip simply takes longer, but this time will help your contact to know when to get help.
The fourth rule of the caves is that you should always move carefully. There are a variety of things that you could injure yourself on in the caves including uneven ground, low ceilings, pits and so forth.
Running and jumping through various parts of the cave could mean your death. Even a simple sprained ankle could mean your death if you cannot get out of the cave.
Do not depend on rescuers finding you. The caves are a large place and you could be lost or injured in variety of places.
The fifth rule that you should know is that you should always know what the caves are like that you are entering. Some caves have various personalities with various threats.
For example, a cave with many streams and underground ponds may be susceptible to flooding. You should not enter a cave like this on a raining day or if it has been raining recently.
Other caves may require certain climbing equipment and so forth. Knowledge of the caves is critical to your ability to be able to navigate them.
The sixth rule is critical to your survival. If you run out of light or become severely lost, sit down in a safe spot and wait for help.
Moving around in the dark could end with your death when you tumble over a precipice. If you are lost, moving around could simply make it more difficult for rescuers to find you.
However, if you follow all of these rules and are properly prepared, you should be able to avoid most hazards. You will greatly enjoy your experience in the caves.
