Your Safety
Section 2
I will state this again and again throughout this website, there are three canyoneering rules:
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Your Safety, along with everyone else!
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Have an awesome time!
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The rules are followed in that EXACT order!

Image Credit: gettyimages.com
Throughout this website, I will emphasize three critical canyoneering rules that every participant should adhere to without exception. These rules are intended to ensure your safety, along with that of your fellow adventurers, and to make sure that you have a fantastic time. The order in which these rules are prioritized is essential, and they must be followed in the exact order presented.
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First and foremost, your safety should be the top priority when canyoneering. Every decision made during your adventure should take into account the safety of everyone in the group. It is essential to have the appropriate canyoneering gear to keep you safe, and you should be familiar with how to use it correctly. Before descending your first canyon, make sure you and your party develop the appropriate canyoneering skills. Doing so will aid in your group's safety and increase your chances of success.
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If you are new to canyoneering, I strongly advise you to go with someone who has experience. Do not attempt to go by yourself. Even seasoned canyoneers do not encourage or go on solo-canyoneering adventures. Going with someone who has experience will ensure that you learn from the best and are equipped with the necessary skills to handle unexpected situations.
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Another crucial part of your safety when canyoneering is watching the weather. This aspect is explored in-depth in Section 4 of this website. It is important to remember that canyons are shaped by water, which can create dangerous conditions. When it rains, water collects in the desert and seeks out the lowest point, which is the watercourse. The canyons that you will be treading through vary in size and depth, and all the water flows somewhere. It is crucial to take these factors into account and plan your adventure accordingly.
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Image Credit: gettyimages.com
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Canyoneering is a thrilling sport, but accidents can happen. To prevent accidents, it is essential to learn from past experiences and be better prepared for the future. Planning and redundancy are critical factors that can help avoid accidents. Learning how to tie specific knots and how to react in emergencies when someone is on rappel and cannot proceed further are skills that can be learned and will help you feel more confident and safe.
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Finally, I encourage you not to let any web links scare you away from canyoneering altogether. Instead, use the information provided to plan your adventure better and invite specific friends and family who can match the canyon description and have the necessary endurance. With the right preparation and a focus on safety, you can have a fantastic time canyoneering while minimizing the risk of accidents.
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Here are just a few website links that reference these fatalities or accidents:
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"I can't believe I survived; video of flash flood crashing down on canyoneers" from StGeorgeUtah.com
"Kolob Canyon Disaster" from Climb-Utah.com
"Flash Flood in the Black Hole" from Climb-Utah.com
"Flash Flood in Little Wild Horse Canyon" from Climb-Utah.com
"Special Report: The Keyhole 7" from OutsideOnline.com
"Surviving a Flash Flood in a Slot Canyon" from OutsideOnline.com
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The following website created by Bob Allan (aka "Slot Machine") and is a list of canyoneering-related fatalities: https://www.smilingcricket.com/2019/04/the-death-thread.html
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Please learn from their mistakes, otherwise we are doomed to repeat them.
