http://www.kvue.com/news/mmcguire/stories/070306kvuecavewarning-cb.212a4597.html
Warning issued about exploring Austin caves
04:53 PM CDT on Monday, July 3, 2006
By MELISSA MCGUIRE / KVUE News
Cave experts Monday issued a warning for local explorers, after a young woman was rescued from a cave on the Barton Creek Greenbelt in South Austin.
About 50 firefighters and EMS personnel responded Sunday night to Airman's Cave near South Lamar and Loop 360.
A woman had been trapped 1,000 feet inside Airman's Cave since about 4 p.m. Her friends called for help when they say she wouldn't -- or couldn't -- come out.
"They decided they couldn't get her out and made a call to the fire department. Fire and EMS responded," said Palmer Buck, Austin Fire Department.
It took emergency crews about two hours to reach her, and she walked out on her own. It's not known why she couldn't come out of the cave.
Officials say it's a tight space. Sometimes it can be difficult or scary for people to find their way out.
Lt. Andy Reardon with the Austin Fire Department says Travis County is home to more than 300 caves.
"There's a whole bunch that aren't big enough for people to crawl around in. That's when people get in trouble," Reardon said.
And many caves have low oxygen levels.
Experts want thrill seekers to know that just because a cave is open and not gated, like Airman's Cave, doesn't mean it's safe for you to explore.
Those prohibited to the public are typically home to endangered species or in busy park areas.
Officials say Sunday night's rescue had a happy ending, but beware -- a lack of knowledge could turn your trip into a nightmare.
"You could get in there and it could be full of water. It could have an oxygen level that you can't survive in there," Reardon said.
The best thing you can do is research the cave you're interested in exploring before jumping right in.