The Dangers of Cave Diving (reviewing the rules)

In the 1950s and 1960s, as scuba diving enjoyed a surge of popularity in the United States, people began to explore underwater caves in Florida. But with no formal system of training, there were a lot of mortal accidents. After investigating the most common causes of death in caves, cave diver Sheck Exley wrote the first cave diving manual, which is still in use today. On this dive at Orange Grove Sink in Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park, the Blue World team reviews the rules of cave diving that have made the sport so much safer.
WARNING! Cave Diving is extremely dangerous and should only be undertaken by divers with the proper equipment and training. This video is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered “instructional” in any way. The dive team that produced this video is fully cave certified with years of experience.
#cavediving #scubadiving #floridacaves #sidemount #sheckexley
JONATHAN BIRD'S BLUE WORLD is an Emmy Award-winning underwater science/adventure series featuring underwater cinematographer/naturalist Jonathan Bird.
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[@stratonarrow]

I've got to say, the footage looks absolutely incredible! So clear and well-lit, and the colors and contrast are perfect.

[@jbrick9853]

Hey blue world team I'm 13 and I have watch you from the beginning and I'm finally able to dive and this month I will be trained I just want to thank you for helping me follow my dreams and I live in trinidad 🇹🇹 in the Caribbean I highly recommend coming here

[@BlueWorldTV]

Congratulations!! We will get there soon!

[@Michael-iw7on]

Hey can we get the kids to eat before the

[@jackjackattack9137]

Congradulations young man, be safe and train constantly !!! Be safe and follow the rule of thirds !!!

[@dreadnoughtus2598]

After watching your channel I've recently started watching 'Divetalk', their videos can be very scary to imagine being in them sorts of situations.

[@scubatravel7846]

I just started watching Divetalk as well. Have you seen this video! It's straight up insane! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHfXiYqHiKl4d6c

[@dreadnoughtus2598]

@@scubatravel7846 yes. One of the 1st I watched. Crazy stuff, but a bit easier when experiencing it from the other side of a screen rather than in real life.

[@jushyd6734]

Well done Johnathan. I did my cave diver training at Orange Grove (and Peacock and Little River). It’s a great place for sure. Love your videos buddy. 🤙🏼

[@azdeatherage]

Me also, I still don't understand diving little river without a scooter.

[@BlueWorldTV]

Thanks!

[@randylalrinsanga3078]

These huge caves (underwater or not) both fascinate and extremely terrifies me.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Cause your smart.

[@Saxatillis]

Me too... sort of. More like fascinate and respect. I am a Apprentice Cave Diver. Even with my very limited experience, i can assure you there is nothing quite like it.

[@davestadnik8739]

I feel the same way

[@ofuets]

same

[@FranFerioli]

cave diving gives me claustrophobia just looking at it!

[@thegamerboneless2864]

Sheck Exley, was a great pioneer, and cave diving wouldn’t be what it was without men like this. They literally gave there life’s so we could cave dive safely. Thank you Sheck, Jacques and Emile, these men laid the pavement for diving and caving diving.THANKS AND RIP

[@Valentina-ty4zr]

Congratulations on 1 million you deserve it you never gave up and you kept doing what you love i have been your fan since 5 years ago and I wish you all the best and I Can't wait for your show to grow even more

[@switchv2114]

cave diving is a majestic experience! But it's also dangerous as well

[@cpotisch]

That’s the whole idea of the video. Why are you just parroting it?

[@mori_a.Wolfboi]

@@cpotisch that was unnecessary

[@cpotisch]

@@mori_a.Wolfboi The parroting was unnecessary or my calling out how un-profound her comment was unnecessary?

[@paulthompson9062]

Another great episode. Well done Jonathan and the Blue World team. It's shows like this that really inspire my love for underwater videography.

[@kuitaranheatmorus9932]

Always love another good Johnathan Bird video,and sure was nice seeing some educational guides for cave diving. Also I wish yall a good day

[@FintasticFilms]

Love this episode!! Even though it can be dangerous, becoming a cave diver is something I want to do one day. I went diving inside Ginnie Springs (cavern) a few years back, and it was awesome!

[@Rubymoon286]

Thank you for making this! Many of my friends have recently watched a lot of "cave diving gone wrong" videos and have gotten freaked out any time they've asked about my upcoming dives. I'm sending this to everyone who's gotten stressed about my hobby. I have 15 years of diving experience with 10 of those being wreck and cave dives primarily, and while I understand the risks, it's nice to have a video to share with my friends who've only seen people make life ending mistakes as told by horror commentators.

[@theyoutuber778]

This video is much more superior to the national geographic ones. Amazing work.

[@BlueWorldTV]

Thanks!

[@theadversarylight-bringing6980]

Running into a new episode of Cave Diving on JBBW is like everything !! My goodness you guys are so badass for this!!

[@cosumar6551]

I think this was an awesome video Jonathan, learning all the history and rules for cave diving was so interesting, and I love that your showing all the proper techniques and practices, another Awesome Video, and Cameraman Todd's story about him and his friend getting in trouble on your blue world plus channel was cool to hear, and of course glad it had a good outcome. You guys make an amazing team and always follow the rules in any video which is just fantastic and makes someone like me that has no Scuba knowledge respect it all that much more and shows me that when you follow all the rules and do things the right way that something like Cave Diving possible and amazing seeing all these awesome rock formations and odd life forms while all the time keeping safe and getting back out safe. Thanks for what your doing, showing the world all these amazing places, people, and animals.

[@BlueWorldTV]

Thanks!

[@OhioRiverFisherman]

This is a nice little Sunday gift!!! Thanks Jonathan

[@great-grandmakirk8828]

Hi ,nice to see you again, I could never cave dive as I am very claustrophobic. I always enjoy your videos and am just fascinated by the ocean. Thank you for this video.❤️👵🏻🇺🇸 It looks so strange to see how these caves look just like caves under ground , I’m glad you guys made it out safe👍🏻I’ve been subscribed since your very first video and am so happy I did.

[@seanashleybrown]

This will always be one of my most favourite KZbin channels. Production quality is amazing and you couldn’t find a better host of the show if you tried. I can’t wait to one day be able to dive in caves. This show has sparked an unquenchable thirst for diving in me! Keep up the great work, from Australia 🇦🇺

[@BlueWorldTV]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words!

[@JoeKyser]

I love the videos! The production level is amazing. Keep up the great work

[@BlueWorldTV]

Thanks!

[@discoverfloridadiving]

Another great episode for the Blue World!!!! 😀

[@bannoursalem5186]

miss you! Glad to watch you dive again guys!

[@ameanasaur]

Your footage and production quality is amazing. First video I've seen but I'll definitely be watching many more. When you came out of the dive I felt your enthusiasm. That looked like it was alot of fun.

[@BlueWorldTV]

Welcome!!

[@brandi-annpagano6702]

Cave diving sure has come far! The rock formations are great. Not for me, but I love going along with you Jonathan.🐟

[@jordana7671]

Howdy Jonathan, thank's for the inspirational videos. I watched you since I was a kid. One of the best childhoods.

[@BlueWorldTV]

Thanks for being a longtime subscriber!!

[@judybassett9390]

Excellent video! I dove Orange Grove Sink in 1985. (There was no easy stairs access back then.) Less than a year before, there was a brother and sister who died in Orange Grove the day before they were to take the cavern diving certification class. They did not understand the dangers and ran out of air.

[@BlueWorldTV]

Yikes

[@Watchy771]

Came here after your conversations with Dive Talk :) really enjoy it

[@adshameen]

Me whenever a new blueworld video drops: this is my favourite episode!!!!

[@putrakasraif785]

Man nice content and educating us keep up the good work

[@Dandeb19]

That's was so relaxing. I felt like I was right there with you. Thank you for another amazing video.

[@BlueWorldTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@crazyguy6657]

Wow Jonathan I cant believe you reach 1 million! Congrats! Also could you do a video diving in Belize?

[@BlueWorldTV]

Yes, plan to be there in April!

[@crazyguy6657]

Really that’s awesome!

[@scubatravel7846]

My very first cave dive was here!! Paul Heinerth is the sweetest instructor ever 💕 I remember him telling me about how he sought out Sheck Exley for official cave training after Paul and his dive buddy had a cavern scare (silt out). I can't wait for next year; cave diving Marianna January 10th for full cave cert, and then Mexico in March!

[@BlueWorldTV]

Ooooh sounds fun. Hanging with Edd Sorenson!? I'm doing my rebreather training with him in a few months.

[@scubatravel7846]

@@BlueWorldTV oh man I'm so jealous! I wish he would train me but I don't think he does OC cave training really, so I'll be taking the course with my friend Dene. I'm actually torn between getting a DPV or Kiss SW. They both look like so much fun! Have a blast on your training! Would be a dope Vlog (Ed will probably let you use the footage from his paralenz)

[@Yggdrasil42]

You'll love Mexico. I got full cave certified by Kim Davidsson at Protec and had a great time. Such beautiful caves there. Did a Sidewinder tryout too and was impressed. Protec are Sidewinder specialists so take a look.

[@scubatravel7846]

@@Yggdrasil42 thanks for the heads up! This will actually be my second time cave diving there! My friends Roger and Nelly host a cave diving bed and breakfast! It's dope af. Their place is called XOC-Ha! Check em out! Roger is super nice - does guided cave dives and is an instructor for a lot of stuff too

[@Anakin200623]

Yes another video, it warmes my heart everytime you upload a video💙, keep up the amazing work❗

[@BlueWorldTV]

Thank you so much 😀

[@adeitsch]

I enjoyed watching this video Jonathan. It was a great follow-up to seeing you at Sea Rovers and the premier at the Museum of Science. Great job on Ancient Caves!!

[@BlueWorldTV]

Thanks!

[@XcRunner1031]

Everything Jonathan Bird touches is pure gold. Awesome video.

[@BlueWorldTV]

Aw, that's sweet. thanks!

[@laurv8370]

9:10 Hey, that's a fish! Hello Fishy! Fish: What the hack are you doing in my cave?

[@meridacavediver]

I'm just starting out with cave diving videos and I have to say guys, really great job. I'm doing a different style but this is a really great bar you've set. Nice everything.

[@BlueWorldTV]

Looking forward to seeing your stuff!

[@MsShannruggles]

Kinda reminds me of myself as a teenager ....something (really dangerous 2 do) Not recommended I never went back in after that initial exploration ...the cave partially collapsed on top of us while we were in there also The...mine itself was already partially collapsed inside & super claustrophobic ....we had wrapped a camera up in several trash bags 2 get pictures inside. It was at least 150 years old & maybe older guessing from observation of mineral deposits ...the back wall was encrusted with a light coating of tiny 1 mm stallagtites and was encrusted with mineral deposits We were really just a couple curious kids exploring an old mine that had filled up with water-replete with an actual waterfall coming from a back ceiling hole in there I remember the exploration of the old mine was on the California/Nevada desert border in the late 1970s-early 1980s It had a very small entrance filled up with sand that i found filled up with an artesian spring water. So we used snorkeling equipment to explore that place....it was nearly completely filled up with water and had partially collapsed inside. I do NOT RECCOMMEND going in places like that. We were lucky 2 get out of there unhurt & alive in retrospect . That old mine could have easily and completely collapsed & we both could have just vanished in the desert !! ....completely disappeared into the desert mojave after a hike one day in the spring. The mine entrance was filled up and undetected from the outside and just looked like a small pond of water in the desert at the base of a small mountain(hill). By The Grace of GOD I still live 2 relate that story

[@MsShannruggles]

That old mine DID look a lot like this in many ways. There has been severe storm flooding there in that small valley many years hence and the entrance 2 that mine (plus the artesian) was completely swallowed up by the desert landscape. I remember retracing my steps 2 the entrance area many decades later, only to find it had completely vanished and the landscape itself had completely changed from the flooding. It is one of those type places that if you dont know exactly where 2 look for it, you cannot find it because it is hidden in a small desert valley in the Mojave area along the Cal/Nev border.

[@That1guy1again]

Whoa

[@Yggdrasil42]

Yikes. The vast majority of cave deaths occur to untrained people. Cave diving has come a long way and is quite safe these days if one follows the rules but exploring an unexplored mine without training is risky as hell.

[@boi9987]

I really like your videos so keep it up!

[@petersubmar]

What a great dive and thanks for sharing details about cave diving. With the details and technical language. I would like to be able to include this video on my website to help people learn about cave diving. Thank you very much

[@cjgamboa3768]

I miss your vids! Thank you for this one! 🥰

[@BlueWorldTV]

Glad you like them!

[@terribarrett9381]

Not everyone can become a cave diver, but that doesn't mean we can't love watching your videos and learning about these beautiful hidden treasures.

[@BlueWorldTV]

We are glad to do the cave diving and make the videos for you!!

[@widget3672]

Well this was terrific. I recently had a chat with some friends who went scuba diving once and they loved it but they seemed almost afraid to go deeper or that there might be some sea creature that could hurt them. I'm just going to link them to this channel and let them reconsider their views a little...

[@Adam-qv2bd]

Yeah, this channel is so inspiring.

[@Yggdrasil42]

The mind is often more scary than reality.

[@amara8934]

Wow! Very educational and very essential for those starting cave diving. If you haven't made a version of this for Scuba Diving then you probably should. :)

[@pauumehh7207]

Im already a subscriber when you only have 200k plus subscribers. Now, you reached 1.2M. congrats Sir❤️ Love from Philippines..

[@Yggdrasil42]

Great video. I just got cave certified In Mexico. Wonderful experience and the caves there are beautiful. Very decorated.

[@BlueWorldTV]

Yes, the Mexico caves are awesome. Shallow, clear, almost zero current and lots of beautiful formations.

[@ivuldivul]

Congratulations for reaching 1 million subs!

[@DolbecAqua]

Cave diving is wonderful! One day I'll have my cert 😁 another great video from the Blue World crew, as always 😎

[@derangedtortoise909]

Johnothan I watch u when I go to bed I always get relaxed by your videos and fall asleep

[@derangedtortoise909]

Jonathan

[@BlueWorldTV]

I'm not sure that it's a compliment that my videos make you sleepy!

[@derangedtortoise909]

@@BlueWorldTV they are relaxing :) nice music and cool underwater videos

[@jakenelson328]

This and cavern diving look like so much fun! I can't wait to be certified in both at some point in my life!

[@user-zu5cl4ms5h]

One things I loved about diving. Rules is rules self displined and strict SOP safe life. Whether is OpenSea cave or even technical dive.

[@gbrainy]

Entertaining and informative to someone who knew nothing about cave diving. Thanks!

[@BlueWorldTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kimberlymelton2055]

Those springs in Florida are beautiful, and I enjoyed watching the cave diving I would love to be experienced enough to go. Such a wonderful experience that has to be!!!

[@jonathansantos2271]

Turning on thirds helps prepare for safety precautions. Good notice.

[@jonathansantos2271]

🕷

[@Whatisahandlehuh]

I can’t help hear Rob Schneider lol 😂. Great video tho guys. Thanks for bringing me excitement in something I’ll never do haha!

[@AquaticFlapper125]

Love Your Videos I’m so happy you got 1 Million Subs

[@hdors13]

omg it's so beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

[@BlueWorldTV]

Glad you like it!

[@dkjens0705]

Fun to see the diver has the exact same fins as I do, the ScubaPro Go Sport also in white like mine. I love these fins, great for frog kicks and flutter kicks when encountering strong currents.

[@shadowbanned3716]

That STOP, grim reaper sign does the trick. Id rather just watch you pros go in. Hey has anyone ever found Gold in one of those caves?

[@BlueWorldTV]

Not yet!

[@jellystar2866]

Thank you for this instructive cave diving video! Come here to support!🥳🥳🥳

[@dcg929]

Excellent and thrilling video. Thanks.

[@BlueWorldTV]

Many thanks!

[@SolidStateSoul]

I have swam and snorkeled in many a Florida spring, and one constant is the water is always frigid cold. Even in mid-summer, the water coming out of those aquifers is chill city. This was an informative video, never knew about Sheck.

[@BlueWorldTV]

The water is 68-72 degrees which to a Floridian is cold but to us guys from Massachusetts, it's not bad at all!! LOL

[@SolidStateSoul]

My nether bits couldn't handle your waters brother.

[@felixthecleaner8843]

great information!

[@jonathansantos2271]

Thanks for mentioning who gets credit for, Helping make the rules safer for cave diving.

[@sleazymiguel6882]

Very beautiful, safe and professional

[@adseft2800]

this gave me so much nostalgia when i was a kid

[@stratigraphymajor8196]

Fascinating !!

[@mori_a.Wolfboi]

I remember watching you as a kid and years later I'm finally gonna get my scuba license

[@Adam-qv2bd]

I love this channel ❤

[@MadZell]

I love diving but could never venture into a cave....love watching the cave dives as I will never see it myself

[@billyleungkt]

Thank you BW. I'm going to have my cave diving training soon and my instructor has recommended me the Sheck Exley's book too 👍🏻👍🏻

[@BlueWorldTV]

Everyone has to read that. Required reading for cave divers.

[@oliviahuang9320]

I love your vids!

[@MS-gg8dy]

upper orange grove is one of my favorite cave dives in Florida!!

[@davewme]

Great vid Johnathan. While you are in fl.. maybe do a vid on vortex spring.. and talk about the doctor who owned it.. and how he came up with our red/white diver down flag. :). I live on the Canadian prairies, but escape part of winter in Florida

[@borikennautical6649]

Nice video sir. That is a the only dive I don't do. I have a lot of respect for cave divers. Is a super nice video😊😊🤙🤙🤙🤿🤿🤿🤿🦈🦈🦈🦈

[@HeatherSZ]

Great stuff!

[@horhevamp8890]

Nice of you to put this out after all the awesome cave diving videos... I was thinking that folks might get over excited and end up in trouble. Question on the 3rds, are they on TOP of the 50 bar safety? I.e. typically when diving with 200bars, you always 'should' surface with 50 bars remaining as 'safety'. This assume within your 150bar spent, you used 70 to go - 70 to come back and 10 for your 3 minute safety stop at 5m. Is the 50bar safety on top of the 3rd you 'keep as backup' or it includes it?

[@ItsAGoodDayToDive]

No, but you need to keep it conservative, for instance 200 bar doesn't divide easily by 3 and spg's aren't accurate enough to measure you can use 66,66666 bar. So we round it off, 180 bar is easier to divide by 3, and it gives more margin for safety. So we can use 60 bar for going in 60 for out and 60 for back-up. But thats not all to this rule. You also have to think about stress. If something happens at the furthest point you can go with your 60bar. You'll have stress coping with the problem at hand, you'll use more gas and in that case having 2 thirds of gas left might not be enough to get back. For that reason when I'm diving in a team of 2 divers, I would not choose for the rule of thirds but for more conservative margin like 1/4th or even 1/6th of your total gas to go in. If the team is bigger (3 or 4 divers) there is more back-up gas in the team and we choose to go by the rule of thirds. Also some training agencies have different gas rules depending on your training level. Entry level cave divers cannot dive the one third rule but have to keep to the one sixt rule, and only fully certified cave divers can dive the one third rule. Always plan according to the worst that can happen.

[@jobayerchowdhory9606]

Thank you bro

[@michaelgreve1052]

Can you do an episode about sharks with Ocean Ramsey? Maybe on tiger sharks? I would love to see you two work together for an episode.

[@koriw1701]

I'm a new subscriber. I find your videos quite extraordinary. They are very relaxing despite my having a major case of willies even imagining what you clearly love. May I ask why the line isn't thicker and MUCH brighter? I would think it necessary in such a dimly lit and dun-coloured place. (With very sharp looking rocks!) Also, I would think that the line-man would be last out for safety reasons since he was first in. Any reason why he is not? You are probably very busy so I don't mind if you don't answer! But mad respect to you and your crew! Thank you for such lovely images!

[@BlueWorldTV]

You are right, the line man is always last out for safety. But that doesn't work if you have to film him, so I tag along behind filming as he reels it in.

[@Teampegleg]

The line is pretty bright, when it is new. After many cycles of the system going tannic due to flood the gold line takes on the dingy brown color. The line lasts quite a while as it doesn't actually take much wear and tear, as you should never be pulling on it. Just running through your hand to verify you are on the right track. In fact that thicker line isn't used because it is more wear resistant, but to make it visibly different from the side passages where they run the standard #24 cave line similar to what Todd runs at the start of the cave. There was a death a long time ago, a BF/GF team had a light failure, and while they were deploying their back up light they drifted off the mainline onto a side tunnel called the "Distance Tunnel" the GF was leading out, but after a while he was convinced that they were on the wrong line. He tried to convince the GF, but she was adamant. After a little more time the BF decided to trust his judgement and head back, and made his way out of the cave. The GF didn't make it out alive. After that the NSS-CDS decided that they would make the main passages visibly different from the side passages and bought a reel of what we now call Gold Line.

[@albertzhang359]

Great video!

[@BlueWorldTV]

Thanks!

[@prajktag7308]

That was an AWESOME episode.... And very informative indeed. Zimmy really did an awesome job on music of this episode. I loved it. (Tell him the same please) 😊👍

[@BlueWorldTV]

Will do!

[@ZimMusic100]

Zimmy here. Thank for the comments. Glad you liked the music on this episode. Keep watching!

[@itsmeyohan877]

I live in south India and there is not much scuba diving schools here, but my mom just found a place where I can get my certification and I can’t wait

[@rookiegames3537]

Awesome love the content keep it up!

[@k4000]

beautiful cave!

[@pickles3128]

I live right next to a SCUBA shop thousands of miles in any direction from any ocean... But I also live in a state with the most caves. Perhaps that's where they all get the business from? Really relaxing video, despite the danger. At least Shek died doing what he loved.

[@BlueWorldTV]

Where do you live?

[@pickles3128]

@@BlueWorldTV St. Charles, Missouri, right outside of St. Louis; store's called Midwest SCUBA. Tried to get into (dry) caving as I lack any sense of claustrophobia but the MO Speleological Society was full of really snooty old dudes, and it was really hard to get into if you don't buy a bunch of expensive equipment (not on a college kid's salary) and get permission from land owners (lots of cool caves are on private property.)

[@mathaijacob1345]

Love it

[@azdeatherage]

Lower OG is on my list. Dove upper in my training with Paul.

[@azdeatherage]

I didn't know we haven't figured out what the cave crayfish eat. Time to do some research.

[@scrubrider6714]

Please more cave diving videos :)

[@spiketamara2007]

amazing I now can see the allure of cave diving

[@BlueWorldTV]

It's fun.

[@glb1993]

Yeah I'm good on ever cave diving, hell I'm kind of afraid to go cave exploring in general on the surface. But education on the subject is always a good thing to do for those who actually want to :) .

[@fearguscasbolt2157]

I mean, I’m not sure if I’d be able to do this! It does look amazing though!

[@thedivejunkiekl1517]

What a great place to explore

[@shitakiemushroom]

:o all this time you have been risking your life wow your so brave I wich I could be like you one day

[@moe1829]

The whole video: If you do something wrong you die The end of the video: Ooohh! So much fun

[@samboy280]

It is Very helpful for Biology students

[@joshuabaughn3734]

That Duck Weed is actually a flowering plant, one of the smallest Angiosperms! Their closest relatives are the Bananas, Plantains and Grasses!

[@BlueWorldTV]

I did not know that!

[@godzillareacts6275]

Jonathan hasn’t done a vid on the Mako Shark maybe that’s a future video 🤔

[@epiccaydengamerpines398]

I watched blueworldTV when I was very young

[@maryc7830]

Of course I’m subscribed. 👍🏻🐳

[@Dboy10810]

Great one again! Why would yo lay another line when there is already one there, as I could see?

[@bryanpayer5810]

It helps if you venture away from main like it will help you get back to main line that would be my guess an it never hurts to have a second line just incase something happens to main line.

[@BlueWorldTV]

The main line starts a hundred feet into the cave (away from the entrance) to keep people from following it. Cave divers lay a line from the entrance into the cave to the main line.

[@bryanpayer5810]

So it doesn't even start at the danger sign. Can light still be seen from a majority of these signs me myself would never venture into ap cave unless I was certified an diving with a group. I think blue grotto would be cool the recreation side not cave side.