Unfortunately there is a pervasive attitude that I am going to do what I want,and nobody can tell me what to do. This attitude,causes fatalities,but those of us that follow the rules are the ones who suffer the consequences. I have seen some great cave diving sites disappear,with access to never be granted,because basically the owner is concerned for their liability. Yeah,there are things like the Florida Sportmen's Act etc,but still the owner has to pay for steep legal costs to protect themselves. It really angers me and others that people will come along and say they are going to dive that cave,and we don't care what you think. I have spent 100s of hours and a lot of $$$ getting 2 sites opened by myself and assisted with 4 other sites,and yet one blunder can close it in minutes. What does it take to protect your sport? Be vigilent,call law enforcement,tolerate being called an a**hole while that person drives off,and know that each site we cave dive in was earned,not an entitlement,and you guaranteed another day of diving there. If these people are that interested in doing something dangerous,then get a syringe full of KCl,and see who can get a vein first.
In a side note-we are working very hard with the new owners of Indian and have gotten some very good feedback. We have access to some cave diving attornies who will expend time pro bono to help with issues.