ALWAYS WEAR PROPER GEAR.
Helmets are necessary for protection of your head, and Gloves are necessary
for protection of the cave.
ALWAYS CARRY 3 SOURCES OF LIGHT PER
PERSON. If a trip becomes longer than expected, light sources
will deplete, and in some cases falter, alternative light sources are a
must!
ALWAYS TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE
GOING AND WHEN YOU WILL BE BACK.
In the event you do not return
from a trip on-time, responsible person(s) may contact Cave Rescue with
information on where you went for help.
NEVER GO CAVING ALONE.
Solo caving is dangerous. If you were hurt there would be no one to go for
help.
DO NOT VANDALIZE THE CAVE.
If you vandalize a cave, it isn't as "neat" or "pretty"
as it was when you found it. Formations that you enjoy cannot be enjoyed by
others.
DO NOT BOTHER THE CAVE LIFE.
This
is THEIR HOME! Most cave adapted creatures are scarce, many are endangered
species.
CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST.
Most all Indiana Caves are subject to partial to complete flooding. Most
flash-flood with the smallest amounts of rainfall.
BE PROPERLY TRAINED FOR THE CAVE /
PIT YOU ARE VISITING. Never attempt to climb a rope without
proper gear. Hand over Hand climbing is certain failure and cause for
RESCUES. You need the proper equipment and you need proper instruction. Get
it from the ICCA, or from an experienced person. Reading maps is always
useful in making sure you do not become lost. Wetsuits are necessary when
traversing long portions of extremely wet cave, they assist in avoiding
exposure and hypothermia.
OBTAIN PERMISSION.
Respect the property of the cave owner. Ask permission and follow any
instructions they ask while visiting their property. This ensures you, and
others will be allowed to return again to visit the cave / pit. Cave owners
commonly CLOSE their caves to everyone because of the mistakes of one!
NO INTOXICATING SUBSTANCES. (This includes Alcohol, Marijuana, and any other type of drug) Caving is as safe as crossing a BUSY HIGHWAY with your eyes closed when you are impaired with intoxicating substances. The majority of all cave related incidents involving serious injury or death are a direct result from intoxicating substances.