Landlords and local governments have different views on what is preventing the strengthening of safety measures at Reinisfala Beach, following repeated fatal accidents over the past few years. A spokesperson for a group of landowners by Reynisfjara said authorities hindered improvements, but Vísir reports. Meanwhile, the Icelandic Tourism Board Secretary said landowner opposition has further suspended Reynisfjara’s safety measures. Popular tourist destinations are owned by various landowners rather than states, but the Commission is currently considering closing the beach to travelers.
After a tourist in his 70s died there last Friday and was swept away by a wave of powerful sneakers characteristic of the tourist attraction beach, the debate over Reynisfjara’s safety measures revived.
According to a report by Morgunblaðið, a committee established by the Minister of Tourism has found that the government has the authority to close places considered dangerous, even against the will of local landowners. Morgunblaðið also reported a statement by the Director of the Icelandic Tourism Board. Although security measures such as warning flags and flashing lights were proposed, some landowners objected and their installments were stalled. The Tourism Ministers’ Committee is still working on a closure proposal and can expect results before the summer vacation.
Íris Guðnadóttir is a spokesperson for a group of landowners who own part of Reynisfjara. She told Vísir: “When I hear this in the media, the landowner hurts when we oppose safety measures. These are difficult times. We are very happy to cooperate and discuss.” She said she was in her family. He added that they are familiar with the seriousness of the problem as locals like the one face the aftermath of a fatal accident.
According to Íris, South Icelandic police and landowners have agreed to install a new illuminated sign on the beach in 2017. The sign was ready, but the problem stagnated as the Ministry of Tourism set up a committee. “A risk assessment was done and behavior was to be coordinated nationwide. Now it’s been over three years.”
Since then, there has been no direct action to keep travelers away from the water, except for signs erected by landowners. The government has funded a wave forecasting system accessible on the Icelandic Road Coastal Administration (IRCA) website, but Íris has criticized its lack of use elsewhere and has acted on behalf of the new commission. I’m calling.
When asked about ideas for bringing Reynisfjara closer to travelers, Íris isn’t convinced, at least when the conditions are the most dangerous. Beach conditions vary widely and can change very rapidly. “In such situations, we need to keep people away from the basalt pillars. When the sea climbs rocks, people must not climb or run rocks to reach the cave. We keep people safe. But Reynisfjara is not dangerous if you sit on the beach at a safe distance from the water, “says Íris.
