Caving Safety

Cave exploration provides a sense off adventure and is an increasingly popular sport among young people and adults. Indiana has 2,640 caves; 800 are located in two Southern Indiana counties, Harrison and Crawford. 

Beginners should limit themselves to horizontal caves - avoiding vertical caves until properly trained. 

Safety Guidelines 

Before attemting any cave exploration, take the time to learn the basics and always follow established safety rules and guidelines. Experience the wonder of an underground adventure - safely! 

• Always tell someone where you're caving and when you expect to return. Make sure they have directions to the cave. Your cell phone does not work underground. 
• If the cave is located on private property, first obtain the landowner's permission. 
• NEVER go caving alone. There should be at least three in the group, and one should be an experienced caver. 
• Stay out of a cave that is prone to flooding if there is threatening weather. Caves can flood quickly. 
• Don't run, jump, show off, or fool around. Proceed cautiously and watch where you're stepping.
• Avoid piles of rubble or anything that looks unstable. Falling is the #1 cause of caving accidents.
• If you get stuck, don't panic. Remember that exhaling before pushing can be helpful. 
• Never leave an inexperienced caver alone. All members of the group should remain in earshot of each other. 

What to Wear

The average temperature in Indiana caves is between 52 and 55 degrees. Caves are often wet and slippery. In addition, rock strewn floors can make walking difficult. Suitable clothing and foot ware will help make your caving experience a pleasant one. 

• Always wear sturdy hiking boots that provide good support and traction. 
• Wool socks are recommended. 
• Wear knee pads in case crawling becomes necessary. 
• Gloves are recommended. 
• Wear proper clothing to prevent hypothermia. Long pants and a long sleeved shirt are best.
• Bring a dry cave pack. 
• Bring a complete change of dry clothes suitable for surface weather.

Equipment Tips

Remember to check all equipment before entering the cave.

• Wear a sturdy helmet with a chin strap at all times. A fixed headlamp should be mounted on your helmet. 
• Always have 2 additional light sources. Such as extra headlamps and waterproof flashlights.
• Bring extra bulbs and batteries.
• Always have a heat source (in case of emergency). This could be a candle and waterproof matches carried in a dry pack. 
• Always have a first aid kit. 

Ecosystem Conservation

Cave ecosystems are fragile and easily damaged. When exploring a cave, disturb as little as possible. Always stive to leave the cave as you found it - so others can continue to enjoy it long after you are gone. 

• Don't break formations. Be especially careful in low places.
• Don't remove and carry out formations that are already broken. 
• Don't paint, mark, or deface the cave in any way. 
• Don't disturb or harm any creatures in the cave - especially bats.
• Don't use tobacco in the cave as it can harm the cave creatures.
• Don't urinate or defecate in the cave.
• Don't leave behind any garbage, candy wrappers, etc. 
• Remember - if you carry it in, carry it out. 

Food Rules

• No alcohol
• Take at least one liter of water per person. 
• Do not drink cave water (unless desperate) since it can contain germs, sewage, animal wastes, and pollutants. 
• Take high energy snack food. Candy bars, granola bars, and trail mix are good examples. 
• Keep all food and water in your waterproof cave pack. 

These tips and guidelines were found at - https://www.marengocave.com/individuals/cave-exploring/caving-safety  

If you have any questions about caving, caving safely or borrowing grotto cave gear please e-mail the grotto at stjoevalleygrotto@gmail.com