Why, as cavers, are we so scared of risk? We see it all the time now, in the equipment we use and the attitudes we take on board. This subject, to put it bluntly, is specifically about modifying caves to reduce the risk of fatality through not being able to rescue someone. I would hope that anyone exploring any cave was aware of the basic risks presented to themselves by the mere fact of being there, and was also aware of their own capabilities and what degree of risk they are prepared to accept to enjoy their caving without being over-concerned for their safety. If you are not happy with the level of risk you are putting yourself at, perhaps you should not be there, and should only visit caves where the level of risk is acceptable to you. "A life without risk is no life at all". I'm not sure if anyone ever said that, but it sounds like a good quote. Use it as my epitaph if you like. I do know that almost exactly 40 years ago, someone was asked whether they were frightened of being assassinated. The pre-recorded answer, broadcast on the BBC on April 4th 1968, was along the lines of it was not the length of his life that was important to him, but its quality. That person was shot dead that very day.
Alan Jeffreys wrote recently in Descent 200 on how risk-averse we have all become. If you are designing an Underground station, or a new mine working, then of course every opportunity should be taken to reduce the risk of accidents and improve rescue facilities and so on. People don't visit such places to face dangers and challenges. But in caves, by and large, that is precisely what we are choosing to do for pleasure. Remove the risks, and you lose an element of the challenge that makes caving such an unusual pastime.
