Unfortunately, due to cave proximity, the media reported them as cave diving accidents. Compare that to open water accident reports for 1999. The sign above appears at the entrance to the Peacock Spring system near Gainesville, Florida. Similar signs are encountered at most commercial and civic cave diving sites. Caves are unforgiving environments.
Special training is required to enter caves.
But in reality special training is needed for many other types of diving as well. Nitrox, deep, ice or wreck all require training beyond basic open water to be safely accomplished. Gear Modifications - One of the first exercises in cavern diving training is to have the instructor evaluate your gear. Remove or minimize any items that can catch lines and cause entanglements. Add a safety reel to each diver, and a larger primary reel for each dive team.