Increased safety and better information with new signs in Reynisfjara black sand beach
The installation of warning and information signs in Reynisfjara black sand beach on the South Coast has been completed. The beach is a very popular tourist destination, but sneaker waves also make it one of the most dangerous destinations in Iceland. However, with the proper precautions, you can avoid yourself or your loved ones, adding to the number of lives lost there.
The new signs are part of the work of a consultation group that was established on safety issues at Reynisfjara beach this summer. The consultation group included representatives of the landowners, the Police Force, the Icelandic Tourist Board, ICE-SAR (Icelandic Association for search and rescue), the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration and Katla Geopark. Kolofon Design Studio took care of the design and implementation of the signs and donated their work.
In addition to the signs, a 300-meter-long chain was placed along the parking lot, which leads people along a footpath and past the signs. Live law enforcement cameras were installed on a mast in the beach comb. Images from there are streamed to the police station in the town of Selfoss.
Focus on sharing information
When creating the signs, the guiding principle was that signs are for information dissemination, the information should be accessible and interesting, explain what can be done on the spot and not just invitations and prohibitions, although all the signs certainly have cautionary markings. One light sign, three large information signs and six guide signs were installed. One of the information signs is about the dangers caused by the waves and it is next to the light sign which is directly connected to the automatic wave forecasting system that the Road and Coastal Administration manages.
The beach is divided into zones depending on the conditions
Reynisfjara beach is never closed, but it is divided into zones depending on the danger situation. When a yellow light is on, people must not enter the yellow zone, and when a red light is on, people must not enter the red zone or no further than the light sign. Visitors should then stay up on the beach comb, but the spectacle from there is amazing to watch from a safe distance. Safety measures in Reynisfjara beach are only through information sharing. There is no manned security on site, which would be such a good next step, if only on the days when there are red conditions.
Good signage is a prerequisite for clear information
Good signage is one of the main prerequisites for clear information. With the new illuminated signs, combined with maps and messages in three languages, it is hoped that visitors to Reynisfjara black beach will be aware of the dangers lurking in the area and adjust their tours accordingly. Signs, no matter how good they are, won't stop anyone who wants to go down to the beach no matter what - but they are necessary to divert as many people as possible to safe places to enjoy Reynisfjara black beach in all its glory.
A 300-meter-long chain was placed along the parking lot, which leads people along a footpath and past the signs. Live law enforcement cameras were installed on a mast in the beach comb. Images from there are streamed to the police station in the town of Selfoss.
Photos: Kolofon Design Studio / kolofon.is
Light is directly connected to the automatic wave forecasting system that the Road and Coastal Administration manages.
Here you can see an overview of the markings and how the beach is divided into areas.
The guiding principle was that signs are for information dissemination, information should be accessible and interesting, explain what can be done on the spot and not just invitations and prohibitions, although all the signs certainly have warning signs.
With the new illuminated signs, combined with maps and messages in three languages, it is hoped that visitors to Reynisfjara black beach will be aware of the dangers lurking in the area and adjust their tours accordingly.
Here you can see how a 300-meter-long chain was placed along the parking lot, which leads people along a footpath and past the signs.