Safe Caving
Basic Safety
Caving is safe when you follow the basic rules.
- Know your physical capabilities and limitations and never exceed them! If you have underlying health issues that can be affected by bad air or heavy exertion, do not enter caves. You put your life and others at risk.
- Always let someone know what cave you are entering, what time you will enter and leave the cave, and contact them when you are out. Stick to your schedule.
- Listen to follow instruction of the trip leader.
Gear
The grotto will loan new members gear to familiarize them with caving before they invest in cave gear.
Minimum Cave gear consists of:
- Cave helmet
- At least three independent sources of light and extra batteries
- Sturdy old clothes
- Good hiking boots (but not expensive)
- Knee pads
- Elbow pads
- Work gloves
- Waterproof cave pack
- Drinking water
- Cave-friendly snack
- Small first-aid kit
- Lighter
- Change of clothes
- Plastic bag for dirty gear
A few important rules new cavers should know:
- Some caves have pockets of low oxygen. If you experience any of these symptoms: Labored breathing, headache, nausea, vomiting, or weakness; unexplainable discomfort or anxiety, retreat immediately to a location where the air is pure or exit the cave.
- Wear your helmet at all times.
- Carry out all waste, including human waste, food, containers, and dead batteries.
Cave Life
- For your safety and theirs, do not disturb animals in caves. You are a guest in their habitat.
- Be wary of snakes at cave entrances.
- Do not remove anything from a cave.
There is so much more, so ask, watch, and learn from experienced cavers!