New Hazard Sign At Reynisfjara Ignored

Six tourists were nearly swept out to sea at Reynisfjara beach on the same day a new hazard sign was put up at the location.

Putting up a new hazard sign at Reynisfjara beach – along with fencing that leads people past the sign – is apparently still not enough to keep people from putting themselves in potentially mortal danger. Vísir reports that yesterday, the same day the sign was put up, six tourists went close enough to the water to get hit by a wave that almost dragged them in.

Tour guide Hermann Valsson witnessed the event, and described it for reporters.

“I saw people in the eastern end of the beach, where a half-naked model in shorts and a T-shirt was being photographed,” he said. “They were way down there, there were no police as they have left, and a wave came up. They froze in shock. Then another wave came along.”

At this point, the tourists in question were nearly dragged into the sea. Hermann ran down to the beach, helping them back up onto dry land with great insistence.

In light of this incident, it is uncertain if South Iceland police will get funding from the Interior Ministry to resume patrols of the beach. The Grapevine would like to emphasise, again, that the undertow at Reynisfjara is deceptively strong. Do not wade into its waters. Wherever you travel in Iceland, abide the safety warnings of your tour guides and any hazard signs around the area, and overall, exercise common sense when approaching forces of nature.