“Cache seekers assume all risks involved in seeking a cache.” So states the geocaching.com disclaimer that is linked to on every cache listing page. Why would such a seemingly harmless, family oriented sport need such an ominous sounding disclaimer? Simply put, geocaching is an outdoor activity and all outdoor activities involve some risk. Actually all activities involve some risk. Even spending your life on your couch watching television carries with it the risks of obesity, heart disease and early death.

So what are the risks that geocachers face and how can they stay safe while pursuing the sport? Well the risks vary from cache to cache. An urban cache will present different risks than one in the back-country. The dangers of a cache hidden 30 feet up a tree differ from one hidden in a guardrail next to a busy road.

The most common risk is that of falling. In the woods there are exposed roots, loose boulders and rain slick rocks. In the city there are uneven sidewalks and curbs. All of these are waiting to trip an inattentive geocacher.

In the cities the risks include a human element. Many urban caches are hidden in out-of-the-way places and some are in high crime areas. Criminals like to target people who seem lost, distracted and confused... the very traits that geocachers tend to display when on the hunt.

In the woods there are weather-related risks such as lightning, hypothermia, heat stroke, and in some areas, venomous snakes, mountain lions and grizzly bear are a rare but real dangers. Other risks from the animal kingdom come in the form of disease-carrying or poisonous insects and from smaller animals like raccoons, opossums and squirrels.

Reach your hand into a hollow tree and you might encounter a raccoon who objects to your invasion of his home. Poke around that wood pile and you may draw the ire of a brown recluse spider. A walk through a field might bring you some unwanted passengers in the form of disease-carrying ticks.

Now that you have been scared into staying on your couch and risking heart disease, you need to put these risks in perspective. Most risks encountered by geocachers are no different than those experienced by hikers, shoppers and dog walkers. Realistically, there is more danger involved driving from your home to the parking area then there is while on the hunt.

The key is finding a way to mitigate these risks and still safely enjoy your geocaching adventure. Here are some tips:

- Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. If you do fall and break a leg you want to make sure you are missed and that your friends and family know where to look for you.

- Check the weather. You don’t want to be surprised by a thunderstorm while on an exposed ridge, or a sudden drop in temperature if you’re wearing shorts and a T shirt. Make sure you know what kind of weather to expect and dress accordingly.

- Watch your step. Many geocachers are fixated on their GPS and oblivious to their surroundings. You don’t want to walk off a ledge while looking at your unit, so look up frequently to see where you are going.

- Look before you reach. It’s a good idea to check out that tree hollow or rock crevice before sticking your hand in there. Some geocachers carry a small, extendable inspection mirror to peek in these places before reaching in. Others use a hiking pole and will poke with the pole first. Flashlights also come in handy.

- Dress appropriately. Hypothermia isn’t just a concern in the winter. It can happen at temperatures in the 60’s. In colder climates wear layers and stay away from cotton clothing. In the warmer months bring a packable raincoat or emergency poncho and dry clothing.

- If it feels wrong, turn around. Not every cache has to be found. If something doesn’t feel right listen to your instincts and move on to another cache.

- Be aware of your surroundings. Whether in the city, suburbs or wilderness you should always be aware of what is going on around you.

- Bring a cell phone. Don’t depend on your cell phone, as you may not have reception when you need it most, but it’s better to have one along just in case than not have one and need it.

- Pack a first aid kit. With the emergence of super bacteria such as MRSA it’s advisable treat and dress any cuts immediately. In addition to an antiseptic and bandages, your kit should include tweezers or a tick removal tool.

- Know your limits. If the cache is a 6-mile hike and you’re a recently reformed couch potato, start with shorter hikes and work your way up. If the cache is high in a tree and you flunked rope climbing in gym class, you probably should forget about that cache or bring along a more athletic partner.

- Be informed about local hunting seasons. Many caches are hidden in the forest, which also happens to be where hunters pursue their quarry. If it’s hunting season avoid the area, or at least wear blaze orange clothing.

- Don’t let the kids open the container. With nearly half a million geocaches placed and millions of finds, I’m not aware of a single instance of a booby trapped cache. I have however encountered pins, broken Christmas ornaments, fishing lures and similar items, so it’s advisable for an adult to check contents before handing the cache over to the kids.

- Perform a post hunt tick check. Lyme disease is curable if caught early, but it is best to avoid it in the first place. When in tick country (which can be nearly anywhere), wear light colored clothing so you can spot them easily before they get under your clothes, use repellent and examine your body when you get home to make sure none of the bloodsuckers are attached.

Bring a map and compass. If you are hunting caches deep in the woods don’t just rely on your GPS, as batteries go dead and units can fail. Always bring a map and compass and know how to use them.

Geocaching is a healthful sport that provides participants the benefit of getting exercise in the great outdoors. Though it will never be risk-free, by taking precautions you can reduce your risks and increase the likelihood of a fun-filled day of geocaching and a safe return home.

By Briansnat