Cave Exploring:
The dangers of cave exploring: Protecting yourself
Cave exploring, also known as caving, is becoming an increasingly popular sport. People explore caves not only for physical fitness but also for purposes of scientific study. While most caves in developed countries such as the United States are already well-explored and no longer dangerous, there are still some risks inherent to the sport of cave exploring. Here are some of the dangers of cave exploring and how you can avoid them.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is the condition of abnormally low body temperature. It can happen when you explore a cave that is extremely cold and you experience so much heat loss that your body is unable to keep your temperature within normal range. It can also happen if you get wet inside the cave.
To prevent hypothermia, don't go cave exploring on cold days. Dress warmly when exploring caves in cold areas. You should wear several layers of clothing. The bottom layer should be made of material that does not lose its insulating properties when wet (polypropylene is a good example). The top layer should be waterproof and sturdy.
When exploring a wet cave, wear rubber boots and neoprene socks to keep your feet dry and warm.
Falling
Wear a helmet with a light, and bring extra batteries as well as a backup light source to use in case your helmet light fails. Go into the cave at a reasonable pace and always look at what's ahead of you.
Flooding
Make sure that you're going cave exploring on a day when there is no danger of rain. Rainwater can flood a cave very fast.
Physical exhaustion
Physical exhaustion is a dangerous condition to develop when you're going cave exploring. It could prevent you from making it back to the surface or even make you forget the way out. Make sure you're in good physical condition when going cave exploring. Never go cave exploring on an empty stomach. Eat a good meal before the trip (but don't get started right after eating). Once you're inside the cave, proceed at a moderate pace.
Make sure you ask someone to alert the authorities if you don't return from cave exploring by a certain time. That said, rescuing persons trapped in a cave can be difficult and dangerous. It is best to avoid the need for rescue altogether. Remember, it is possible to avoid the dangers of cave exploring. To have rewarding experiences in cave exploring, make sure you're adequately knowledgeable and prepared.
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