Red warning light to activate sooner at Reynisfjara Black Beach

A new safety group will be established to provide increased monitoring of Reynisfjara Black Beach.

This was announced in a joint statement from the landowners of Reynisfjara, the Icelandic Tourist Board, the South Iceland Police, Safe Travel, and the local rescue team Víkverji following a meeting held today to discuss safety measures at the beach.

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Fatal Accident at Reynisfjara Black Beach

Information signs and a warning system were installed at Reynisfjara in 2022 following the work of a task force appointed by the Minister of Tourism. Subsequently, an agreement was made regarding the maintenance and operation of the system, with the Icelandic Tourist Board responsible for financing any necessary equipment replacement.

Hazard index to be adjusted

The hazard index in the wave prediction system will be recalibrated. Landowners state that it is essential for the system to evolve in line with changes in natural conditions, such as sea level, the width of the beach, and whether the ocean is pounding against the basalt columns. The hazard index will therefore be adjusted to these conditions, which will cause the red warning light to activate earlier than before.

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The light was yellow: Last three accidents in the same spot

When the red light is on, access to the beach will be closed off at the viewing platform by the beach ridge. This means it will be prohibited to walk down to the basalt columns and into Hálsanefshellir cave. A gate will also be installed at the viewing platform to enforce the closure.

The new safety group will meet regularly to assess the situation at Reynisfjara in an effort to prevent future accidents.