Interesting debate over why flood related rescues seem to be on the up (are they really, or is this just perception?). I would suggest that by and large the short term forecast information that cavers can receive is far better today than it has ever been. However, in the 20+ years I have been caving I seem to have the impression that cavers have become more blase about flood risks. Perhaps ths is a reflection on better techniques and equipment that allow people to cope with harsher conditions inderground? Or is it that people have been chancing their arm and getting away with it?
One particular incident springs to mind where I was chastised by a relative newcomer to the sport for avoiding Swildons Hole on a day when a severe weather warning for heavy rain was in force for the Priddy area. I was told that "Swildons doesn't flood". As it happened the rain wasn't that severe and the cave was merely sporting. A fact that was rubbed into me later on in the Hunters. However, seeing some of the photos of Swildons in flood on this forum lately suggest that my advisor was probably taking a fairly big risk. However, by getting away with it their experience that Swildons is safe in flood was reinforced.
Perhaps there is an element of our busy lives happening here, in that people with very little time to go out and play are less likely to miss a trip planned many months in advance?
I don't think that cavers should be chastised for taking risks, that is one of the major points of the sport (so long as the risks are well thought out and assessed). However you may gamble correctly many times, but once wrong is more than enough...
