IUCC Caving Rules
Caving Equipment
Buckner's Cave Use Policy

10 Simple Safety Guidelines

1. NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL. Besides being against University policy, being under the influence can be dangerous underground because it impairs your judgment and causes accidents. The IUCC will not allow anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol to participate in any club trips. Anyone consuming illegal drugs or alcohol on a club trip will be subject to immediate expulsion.
2. BE AWARE OF THE WEATHER. All caves were formed by water and many are subject to flash flooding. Five people in Indiana have drowned in caves and it is the leading cause of caving fatalities. If you don't know the flood history of the cave, then stay out when it is (or has been) raining.
3. RESPECT THE WISHES OF THE CAVE OWNER. All caves are owned by someone and permission is always needed before going in. If an owner does not wish you to be on their property, then stay out.
4. NEVER GO CAVING ALONE. Solo caving is dangerous. If you were hurt there would be no one to go for help.
5. ALWAYS TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHEN YOU EXPECT TO BE BACK. This increases your chances to be found in a timely manner if rescuers need to be called. But please be reasonable about your return time and allow a couple of extra hours in case the trip simply lasts longer than you expected. Tell your friend to call 9-1-1 or the Indiana State Police (800-622-4962) if you do not return. They have a list of qualified cavers to assist in getting you out of the cave.
6. ALWAYS CARRY 3 SOURCES OF LIGHT PER PERSON. Caves are dark. If you were to run out of light it would be nearly impossible to navigate out of a cave. Should this happen to you STAY PUT. Do not try to feel your way out of the cave because you could easily fall and get hurt. Wait for someone to come get you (hopefully you will have already followed rules 4 and 5).
7. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET. You will realize how important this rule is the first time you try to stand upright in a five foot high passage. Head injuries can be debilitating (and can hurt quite a bit). The helmet will also give limited protection against any falling rocks.
8. DO NOT VANDALIZE THE CAVE. Leave the cave as you found it. Do not touch cave formations as the oil from your skin can cause a stalactite to stop growing. Do not break or take out any formations even if they have previously been broken. It can encourage others to break them. Do not leave graffiti on the walls of the cave. Take out anything you take into the cave.
9. DO NOT DISTURB CAVE LIFE. Many types of cave critters are on Federal and State endangered species lists. Bats will not bother you unless you bother them first. They will not get tangled in your hair although they can occasionally carry rabies.
10. DO NOT ATTEMPT VERTICAL CAVING WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING. Never attempt to climb a rope hand over hand. You need the proper equipment and instruction. The IUCC does not provide vertical training and will not visit caves where this equipment is needed.

The National Speleological Society has published A Guide to Responsible Caving. It is a good resource and covers topics such as: formations, protecting caves, cave courtesy, items to bring, how to behave above and below ground, and hazards.

For more information about caving with youth groups: Youth Group Caving Information

Obtaining Permission
Please visit the Richard Blenz Nature Conservancy, Inc. website for information on access to Buckner Cave. Click here.