The Upper Cumberland has a hidden tourism attraction for summer visitors below its feet.
Tennessee Cave Rescuer Brad Tipton said caves are relatively safe. Tipton said problems occur when folks are not prepared for the adventure.
“These folks need to, you know, have sufficient light sources, they have to have sufficient food and water,” Tipton said. “You know, the right footwear, the right type of gear, and what the challenges of the cave present.”
Tipton said folks need to think about what they will do if there is an emergency situation. Tipton assisted with a rescue earlier this month in White County when a man became ill and could not walk out of the cave.
“When a member of your group is injured or falls ill, the first course of action is to send a minimum of two people out of the cave,” Tipton said. “That way, no one is moving in the cave alone. Preferably, you have enough people in your group that you’re going to leave at least one person back with the injured or sick individual to try to help them. You immediately send the two people out of the caver to call 911.”
Tipton said it is also a good idea to go with several people and make sure one person is a skilled caver.
“My golden rules are you need to have a group of people that you can trust,” Tipton said. “They need to be experienced, needs to be at least a leader that knows the cave you’re visiting, how to navigate the cave and what challenges that cave will be, to ensure that everyone in that groups capabilities meet the requirements of that cave trip.”
Tipton said if you are planning to explore a cave, no matter your skill level, it is best to find a local group. A grotto can educate you on the local caves.
“That’s the first think I always recommend, is reach out, find a grotto, go to a grotto meeting and meet established cavers so that you get the, you know, the mentorship and the experience that you need to cave safely,” Tipton said.
