RVK Newscast 190: Death At Reynisfjara, Iceland's Black Beach

[@khjreim]

Your warning is no exaggeration. I was at that beach with my spouse last year around this time and it nearly happened to us. The weather was beautiful, with little wind and blue skies, and the sea was low and much calmer than in your video. The waves were far away so we walked over to the cave you mentioned. We were there admiring the magnificent column structures and patterns in the rock for maybe 15 minutes. We turned to leave and realized the weather had suddenly changed. The sky had gone cold gray, the wind had picked up dramatically, and the waves were now huge and running all the way up against the cliff. We were suddenly in serious danger of being trapped in the cave. My husband tried to time the waves and we ran for our lives back to the main beach. But as you said, there is no pattern of high and low waves, and we barely made it. Truly terrifying. The storm seemed to come from nowhere. The cave is pretty fantastic but you can never turn your back on that ocean!

[@aiidina67]

Last year a couple did get trapped in the cave and had to wait for the tide to go out, no one could even get to them. Very scary... I am so glad you made it out ok. It doesn't *feel* dangerous, this is the scary part.

[@fmcm7715]

Did you not heed all the warnings?

[@28105wsking]

The thing is, the ocean is alive. Mother Nature is alive. And when it wants blood, it will take it. Offerings to the Old Gods.

[@scholaroftheworldalternatehist]

You pay to experience a bit of danger. That's the point of travel

[@pnield5866]

Tragic. “No one understands this.” Yep, the cold water drains your energy in seconds. Beautiful beach.

[@corrineboxkicklove7942]

This is one of the Best Newscasts that I’ve seen this year. The opening scene is incredible as it shows the Beauty of the waves. Yet, the danger is clearly shown when another scene shows how quick the waves can come onto the beach. 🌊 Valur does an Excellent job, explaining the Danger of the Sneaker Waves. I wish more people would take the signs and tour guide’s warnings, more seriously. The waves show again and again how unexpectedly they can come in and overwhelm someone. That said - the video was Beautiful. Thank You Art. It almost felt like I could step in and be right there. Absolutely Breathtaking. ❤️

[@Saucyakld]

Not my thing, am a landlubber!

[@feline_type]

watching that person paddling in the water in this video whilst you talked about how dangerous the sea was reminds me when you did those videos beside the volcano talking about how dangerous the lava was whilst people behind you walked over the lava. I wan to shout at them through the screen to be careful!

[@JuanKenobiObi]

People get fooled into complacency by the bad examples.

[@ramdas363]

Why do you care what they do? This nanny mentality is exactly why society is getting crazier by the year. There is very little natural selection anymore and the dumb people keep breeding and having more and more kids.

[@cproteus]

We were there and saw people doing just that: playing in the surf. We knew to stay behind the last line of stones - as that is the tide line. Obviously, we didn’t even get wet. I agree, that it won’t help to close the beach, and if people do not respect the sea - they will learn the hard way. It’s the sea, there is no continental shelf, it’s cold, it’s unpredictable, we even saw the sign in chinese to help warn tourists. That is really all you can do.

[@cproteus]

@Long Johnson I don’t think that huge signs mucking up the nature is helpful. Research is. Respect is. If you’re visiting someplace unfamiliar, read up on it.

[@cproteus]

@Long Johnson there are huge signs. There is an entire walkway of warnings before you hit the beach.

[@cproteus]

@Long Johnson well, so what would more signs do, if people are going to ignore them? There are pictures, it’s in multiple languages - if you do a quick Google search, you’ll see the extent of the warnings. (I can’t post a picture here). I am born and raised with the Atlantic Ocean, and so, as could even see from the grain size where it was safe to stand and not - but I still read the signs before walking out on the beach. My husband and I stayed right there in the local cottages right on Reynisfjara beach, so we got to walk out before the busses arrived early in the morning. It was lovely. Soon, it was swarmed with people and everyone was so preoccupied with getting a social media worthy photo, I find it hard to understand how they could be enjoying the nature itself.

[@mikerichards6065]

An extraordinarily beautiful opening shot from Art there (shades of the title credits to 'Trapped'). Reynisfjara is a strange and wonderful place where the colour seems to have drained from the world - no wonder people are attracted there. So many of us have grown up in countries where nature has been tamed or placed behind impassable barriers; so it's easy to forget that there are still places where you can die just a few steps away from your car. But no matter how amazing Iceland is - and it is AMAZING - it's not worth losing your life to.

[@brainbutter3127]

Yes, that opening shot was stunning. Great production on this channel. ❤

[@kimmoss-allen9559]

Agreed! Stunning and mesmerizing. ❤️

[@kerrydavis3681]

I always think that about the colours too. I have a canvas on my wall of a photo that I took a couple of years back, and you’d think it was a black and white photo but it’s not.

[@kerrydavis3681]

I always think that about the colours too. I have a canvas on my wall of a photo that I took a couple of years back, and you’d think it was a black and white photo but it’s not.

[@wiregold8930]

Here in the Pacific Northwest we have the same problem with people jumping in our many rivers when we have the first few warm days. The rivers are mostly snow melt and while it's 80F, 27C air temp the water is 45F, 7C or colder. The person hits the water and the shock causes their muscles to seize instantly and they never come back up. It puts the volunteer Search/Rescue people at risk. It is always a recovery operation, never a rescue. We have mandatory life-jacket regulations in my county and plenty of warning signs. It's usually teenagers and young adults.

[@Golfnut_2099]

I live in the PNW as well. Yes, the rivers are sometimes snow melt and are generally cold. "The person hits the water and the shock causes their muscles to seize instantly and they never come back up." I do not believe that. I have gone swimming in the rivers and it is never like that. The government closing off rivers is a grab of control. The government in Washington State is all about control and finding ways to take our money in taxes. It is not about public safety.

[@TheAnnie41]

I grew up with the Atlantic Ocean and I respect it. People who don't need to understand the power of it. I love the black beach in Iceland. Maybe use the flag system when riptides are strong and have warnings on the airplane before landing about people being swept away. If they have a visual maybe it could save someone. Enjoy it there it's beautiful

[@jacobhaust]

Agreed, the Atlantic Ocean commands respect. People learn quickly... or they don't. #icelandair could have this video playing on the planes as a PSA. :) What it comes down to is you can't protect everyone without it costing others. Tell them with a simple warning sign at the beach like "don't go past the rocks", like at the start of this video. Everyone, regardless of language, can understand that. If they don't listen, their life is their own and we move on.

[@niamhquinlan6497]

I was there last February. Will never forget the wind gusts. 3 of us holding onto each other and we were still being blown forward. It was so strong that the sand blown against us felt like needles being stuck into you. Pretty scary. All of our coat pockets were full of black sand. Beautiful place though.

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Nature here is very cruel and harsh, but exhilarating and beautiful. We're glad you got a chance to experience it, Niamh!

[@rmkartist]

An idea is to place pictures/ posters (in a tasteful way) of the deceased. That's that "human touch" element you are looking for. It honors their life by perhaps saving another. It will make people feel and understand how dangerous it can be.

[@phila3884]

That's a great idea.

[@franziskabertram3286]

I thought the same. Some kind of documentation, monument at all access points.

[@thomas5540]

what a horrible idea lol. let the deceased have peace.

[@telmagoncalves9194]

Amazing video and shots again, congrats! I went to Iceland last month and hoped to bump into Polly. It didn't happen, unfortunately, but I got my dog a free sausage at the Pylsa Parlor because I mentioned the episode from the Reykjavik Grapevine! I hope I meet her next October. Cheers!

[@lordhuggington9615]

I'm glad you mentioned the stones/sand on the beach and wanted to mention that when the water rushes up the beach the water mixes with the various sized pebbles and rocks and makes your footing unstable so it's not just getting knocked over by a wave but your footing "let's you down" literally. Also, i love Iceland. Takk!

[@colleenpye4204]

Such a stunning opening to this excellent newscast. On Australian beaches, despite warning signs, flags indicating safe surfing areas, lifesavers' warnings and firm directions, people risk their lives in unsafe areas of the beaches. Strong undertows can undermine balance and drag unwary beachgoers into dangerous surf conditions. The dangers are not always apparent to the eye. Can understand the frustration of those trying to prevent tragedy. Reynisfjara is certainly a beautiful place. You are doing a terrific job here, Valur and Art.

[@lesliestrout5121]

Love this beach, but you do have to respect the power of the waves! I feel bad for the tour guides who can't get people in their group to believe the sea can be deadly here.

[@ctrongful]

In the US we call those sneaker waves because they surprise people. I don't believe warning signs work. Yellowstone has many signs but people still approach bears and bison. Perhaps a memorial with pictures of those who died, including their home town and state, would make people understand.

[@Golfnut_2099]

I have yet to see a video of Sneaker Waves at this beach.

[@ctrongful]

@@Golfnut_2099 Meaning those are not the problem? Is there a hidden shelf and strong rip tides then?

[@phila3884]

I was there in February. I saw a woman and her husband get caught by a wave- only knee high but it knocked the woman completely off her feet and soaked her from head to toe. She couldn't get up. Her husband helped her up to higher ground. If it had been any stronger, I'm sure she would have been in the ocean. People turn their backs to the ocean for a selfie, you can see it in this video. Don't do that.

[@Golfnut_2099]

A knee high wave should not knock someone down, unless they are weak or completely surprised.

[@TropicPoss]

A knee high wave with a strong undertow would definitely knock me over - that ocean has surprising power.

[@Sindrijo]

@@Golfnut_2099 In that situation are also standing on non-level loose-sand that is completely saturated with sea-water and when knee high water rushes over it can become even more unstable, so it's not unthinkable you might get knocked over/loose balance even if you are only 'slightly' surprised.

[@fmcm7715]

@@Golfnut_2099that’s where you are wrong. This beach is one of the most dangerous in the world. Look up why.

[@Golfnut_2099]

@@fmcm7715 I have been to the beach. It was nothing spectacular. I was on worse beaches in Hawaii. ANYTIME you are on an ocean beach, you have to keep one eye to the water. That is basic common sense. I was on the Oregon Coast when my daughter was a toddler. We were walking in water about 12" deep, when we got hit by a sneaker wave that came up above my waste. It did not knock me off my feet. It would have swept my daughter away if I had not picked her up. Yes, it is a steep sand beach. Yes, there is the possibility of high waves. I have yet to see a video of a really dangerous sneaker wave at this beach! The problem is probably that people are not paying attention.

[@Kangaroo_Caught]

Here in Australia, the teaching is to swim parallel to the shore until the "rip" current stops dragging you out, not attempt to swim back to the shore which is the natural response. Of course, the water temperature in the sea around Iceland is much lower than we experience.

[@Sally4th_]

That second point is the main problem. The people who get caught out all seem to be from places where the sea temperature is survivable - fall in, get wet, have a bit of a laugh in the bar later. Unless you're acclimatised for arctic swimming you can forget all the "swim parallel" advice. Your body will take a deep involuntary breath as soon as you go over your waist and your limbs will go rigid. If you've been knocked off your feet and your head is under water at that point you *will* breathe it in and you'll be unable to do anything about it. It takes at least 30 seconds, usually longer for that reaction to fade, by which time you've started drowning. Even worse, anyone who jumps in to try and save you will have the same reaction.

[@hillarywright7965]

This is not a rip current! It's just huge unexpected, very fast, waves and very cold water! No video will show the true power. You'd have to see these waves to believe/ understand. Was just there in December. Pictures don't do this beach justice!

[@Sindrijo]

@@Sally4th_ One thing that has to be mentioned as well is that in this area people might might wearing some warm clothes that can suck up a huge amount of water, the worst case is probably something like a thick cotton sweater. Even if you are a good swimmer you are going to be very sluggish if you are wearing that and it can completely tire out someone who is very athletic in just a couple of minutes. In Iceland all kids learn to swim at school and in the final year of elementary they take swimming test where they have to jump into a pool wearing clothes, swimming a set distance with them on, treading water for a set amount of time with them on and also taking the clothes off in the water.

[@fmcm7715]

@Kangaroo_Caught you can’t swim in that sea. It’s not just the cold water that will cause you to drown. Its not a rip current either. Many dumb tourists mostly Asians have drowned there because they didn’t stay far back enough from the deadly waves despite all the warning signs and tour guides telling them to stay back.

[@Phenolisothiocyanate]

I was at this beach with my girlfriend a few months ago. She didn't see any danger. I had grown up surfing in the North Pacific. This beach made me extremely nervous. It was the worst undertow I had ever seen. Exceptionally dangerous.

[@Yulo2000Leyje]

Great Video ! Many thx ! I do remember my short visit to that beach 20y ago. A stormy day. I live close to the river Rhein/Waal . You will see the same kind of people there trying to swim. No warning signs or talks can stop them. Every year they bring them selfs and rescue teams in danger.

[@chintones56]

This video is truly 'cinematic' in every aspect!

[@michaelmckinney2064]

We just returne dfrom Iceland and we were so lucky to have seen this area when the weather was very calm and we enjoyed the site very much. But he is so right. NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON THE OCEAN.. Thanks so much for the video.

[@doinafred3049]

Very useful advice !!! Thank you!. Excellent video!

[@susancolbeck2157]

We took our two teenaged grandchildren to this beach and it was a bright sunny day. We knew not to turn our backs to the waves and to stay away. My favourite pic of grandson is the wind catching his hoody strings flapping in the strong winds, with the troll stacks off in the distance. I appreciate all the news, the good and the bad and seeing this beautiful country. Really hoping to see it again some day.

[@marie-annemoors2133]

The sea is always unpredictable and I have great respect for it. In the Netherlands there is a flag system, but despite all the warnings, people drown in the sea every year. I don't want to compare the North Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, but it can also be dangerous here with strong currents. I saw a video on the RUV site where a group of people actually had to be helped to get out of the sea. Very scary. But it is a very beautiful beach.

[@adamclark7536]

The last time i was there, a tourist had been killed the day before. The wind was so strong that it knocked me off my feet. A beautiful but dangerous place that needs to be seen but respected too. Gorgeous drone shots by Art.

[@robertjemian895]

Art: ”Ahh, Iceland 2022, that's good” Polly: tramples it

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Hahaha!

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

I noticed that too.

[@28105wsking]

Suggestion: Put up a big board titled "In Memoriam" and have numbered and framed photos of those who died, smiling with their loved ones. Include quick descriptions of their demise: "...caught in the cave and drowned." "...pulled out to sea and never found." " trapped by a sneaker wave." "the toddler who ran away", "playing in the surf, fell into an undertow and drowned", and "... teenagers who took a dare and paid with their lives!" . Then have at least two rows of numbered, empty frames and the first one should have a big question mark inside it and say "You????" That should get the idea across and honor those who lost their lives there, making their deaths a worthwhile warning to others! Be sure to mention nationalities too.

[@iankingsley2864]

So sad to hear about this tragic death. When I was visiting this beautiful beach very recently, our tour guide warned our party in no uncertain terms to be very careful and not to get to close to the water. Here we can see why.

[@ellenpa2000]

Superb Newscast! Great respect for the sea. Holland has the North Sea. Beautiful and very dangerous. I grew up with its presence going there off and on. Those breakers are soooo strong. Hi from 🇨🇦🙋 Ellen Jim & Dezzy

[@DisVietVetUSA]

We ahve the same problem with rip tides, sneaker waves and undertoes here on the West Coast of California

[@stephend.mixell2042]

It is beautiful. Do not think I ever saw black sand before. Thanks for the beach tour. Take care.

[@Sally4th_]

Are there any stories in the folklore about this beach? Anywhere in Europe with a natural hazard like this would have some story of a kelpie or rusalka type of creature that likes to drown people.

[@marcelmioch4980]

I am a tourleader for Dutch and Belgian tourist and visit this tours severel times. You completely right...It's a great place to show your tourist, but explain a killer wave,,,,is very difficult, especially the degree in the sea.....if you prepared.... Luckyly so far they listen to me.

[@spicynoodles144]

The entire background landscape is beautiful no matter which way you turn.

[@NonnoNao]

I've been at this beach, and I can say that the waves are really scary and if you want to live, you should just enjoy the view from far away. At one point during my visit I wanted to visit that cave shown at 6:35, and I swear, the moment that I realized that the waves could reach inside it I felt the urge to go back to a safer spot in the beach

[@smeegle213]

There's little that can be done. You either close everything off entirely, which is definitely not ideal... Or you let it go. Rip currents and high surf are BASIC and obvious hazards that anyone should be capable of avoiding. If not... They took a risk, and suffered the consequences. Do not punish or restrict everyone else for the mistakes and arrogance of a few!

[@tarik6990]

EVERYONE coming to Iceland should watch and learn.

[@cynthiavansaun1500]

Really spectacular drones shots in this video. What a stunning opening with the black sand and white ocean foam. Maybe postings about there is no way to rescue anyone swept away in the wave would help ( like the volcano warnings). On the brighter side, please tell Polly I ordered her High 5 T-shirt today. Thanks again for sharing the Icelandic beauty.

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Thanks Cynthia!

[@calatoruldac]

Hello! Greetings from România 🇷🇴. Congratulations for this movie. The black sand beach looks atypical, but it's interesting. I really like the rock formations that come out of the ocean.🤗❤️

[@teresamagill5113]

The man was 75 not 80 years old. Try suggesting some practical solutions, like safety equipment on the beach, and some sort of markers along the beach to indicate how far one can go safely. A sign that says do not go too far, is completely useless as most tourists would not know what is safe.

[@femkeklijn4802]

I have been there in winter few years ago. Beautiful place.

[@Saucyakld]

We have black sand beaches as well in the north island if New Zealand. And not a sign of people! The sea here is very strong, no continental shelf, straight to the ocean. The sand is so hot in summer as it has a metal component but in the winter it's lovely.

[@quietone748]

Thank you for taking me to Reynisfjara on a virtual tour! I had heard of this place but never imagined it would be this beautiful. We have waves like that here, too. Every year at least ten people die because the undertow pulls them out to sea. Our water is 19C in the middle of Summer, which is lots warmer than the Arctic Ocean's waters, yet it is cold enough that people go into hypothermia if they are in it too long. I am happy to see Polly enjoying a lovely day at the beach. Kudos to Art for successfully navigating you through the crowds as you walk backwards giving your report :)

[@vanillacaffelatte]

Where is it?

[@gknarayan8980]

I did a 10 day camper van trip in Iceland during NY 2022, beautiful country, beautiful people!!. Many tourists have no clue about the gale force wind, extreme and sudden weather changes and that is the root cause of most tourist accidents. Reynisfjara beach is one mother nature's best creations, you have to be there to truly experience it, pics and videos does not do justice. The ocean waves here are powerful and mesmerizing and seem to follow a predictable distance before receding, so after spending few mins watching the waves, most tourists feel comfortable to walk closer and take selfies. And 100s of people do that without any incident, until that one rare, sudden sneaker wave that looks just like any other wave but it isn't, knocks people off balance and when they fall, the receding volume of water drags them into the ocean. The extreme cold water shocks your body and mind there is very little chance you will be able to recover from the shock and swim back to shore. No amount of beauty or selfies are worth your life!! Stay safe!!

[@lunialaspond582]

I have a big respect for the Ocean and it's waves. I learned how quick u can get caught by a wave. One day in Hamburg, walking on the Elbe beach. I thought the water is far enough, but then a big ship passes by and did push the water to the beach, and in a sudden I was surrounded by Water up to my hips. Another day I had the river on my left and a wall on my right, and a big ship again pushed a wave against the wall, and that wave gave me a shower from the right side. So I was all wet. And the time I learned to always keep an eye on the ocean was on a beach at the nautic see, in winter. We were walking really far away from the water sn like out of nowhere, one tiny wave got pushed from two bigger waves behind and me and my father suddenly stood up to our knees in that wave. Luckily these wave weren't this strong to take us. But I learned about this strength in the Pacific ocean, where we went swimming with some guatemalteco locals. They brought a big red cooling Box to mark the spot where it was safe to go ONLY hip deep into the water. They warned us, don't lose sight of the box and don't go deeper. And there I felt, how hard I have to fight not to get caught by the waves, they always wanted to tear me down ore my feet away. When I was in Iceland (in May) and we were on that beach. I felt a bit like a kindergardener, because my friends well behave like typical stupid (sorry) tourists. I was always like "no, you can't go inside, not even with just your feet, always look for the waves, the tight comes in we have to go back, yes now, it happens very fast, and there are always some waves that are very much bigger..." They hated me for many things I told them, they can't, or should not, or things they should. Like, don't walk on the moss. A lot of things that had to do with respect and good behaviour in a land where we were guests. And things that are important to stay safe. I really really really love your country, and for me it's a matter of course to treat it and the people with respect.

[@MrsC48]

I live in Arizona. Many people go over the edge of the Grand Canyon every year. I think it's impossible to save people from themselves. Common sense is lacking, sadly.

[@davebatts4731]

@6:07 "Icelanders are incredibly afraid of the ocean." Does anyone else find it ironic that the descendants of the Vikings now have an aversion to the waters that brought them there?

[@christinewhite6211]

I love the ocean, probably because I live inland, but it also scares me!

[@scottbertelson352]

A good video and warning. As a tourist who was just there I think it’s unfortunate when people are not cautious and get into trouble but there is danger everywhere, so it cannot be eliminated. To point out, there are many black sand beaches to have a good time on, but to be careful here because of the current.

[@kerrydavis3681]

Beautiful drone shots! Really makes you think how far the waves come up! Also great explanations as to why you shouldn’t get too close. I have been to this beach several times (and will be back in a couple of months) and it’s shocking to see people walking at the edge of the waves. I have seen several people knocked down and soaked by the ocean and having the waves chase them back up the beach. How they didn’t get pulled in I’ll never know. Maybe sheer luck. I’m not good with water (nearly drowned when I was a kid when my teacher pushed me in a pool, and I slipped faced down on the bottom) so I avoid water at the best of times! So I took my zoom lens camera and got some good shots of the beach from the safe end, plus the puffins up top of the columns. It’s a beautiful place to be, one of my favourites, so I hope they don’t stop people going there. I just don’t know what will stop people taking such risks as they seem to think the warnings don’t apply to them 🙄

[@WhiteTiger333]

The sunlight on the surf is stunningly beautiful with that black beach! I just realized, I'm watching this video about warnings while wearing my Keep Off the Lava t-shirt from your store.

[@aznate27]

I am SO glad I went to Iceland in 2021 when not many people were traveling! There was maybe 8 other people on the beach when we went there. It was beautiful and peaceful! If there were 50 to 100 more people, it wouldn't have been the same experience.

[@vdubz243]

Must have missed this beach. Poor Polly and sand eek. Looks lovely though. ❤️

[@deroux]

We have the same problem on the Washington and Oregon coast of the US where I live. The waves come in sets and pile up on top of each other especially on incoming tide. Never turn your back on the ocean.

[@vermontsownboy6957]

11:10 - The rocks are "columnar basalts". They're relatively rare in the world, but relatively commonly within massive flood basalt deposits. Couple locations off the top of my head: Yellowstone National Park; Ireland (Giant's Causeway); Washington state; Devil's Postpile near Mammoth CA, Isle of Mull and Fingal's Cave, Scotland; Santa Maria Regla, Mexico; and one of the most famous of all: Devil's Tower in north-east Wyoming. There are many other notable sites around the world too. They characterized by 6-sided "joints", caused by the contraction of the hot/liquid basalt once it is extruded onto the surface and cooled.

[@sburnett158]

Awesome photography. Cannot wait to see this-from an appropriate distance.

[@5Heth]

What beautiful scenery. There is something mesmerising about the power of the ocean & too many people don't respect it. I'm from Australia where the ocean plays such a big part in our lives & many of our beaches have signs in a few different languages & pictures warning of the danger of the ocean. But too many people, including lots of Aussies, ignore the warnings & put themselves & others in grave danger. Good Samaritans have died while saving the lives of people who ignore the signs. I have stood on a beach that looks safe where a wave no higher than my ankles has gently come in, but as the wave goes out again it pulled the sand out from under my feet & started dragging me out into deeper water. It is really scary when it happens. Here we don't have to worry about the cold water killing us so much though...its the sharks that we have to worry about & in the top end of Aus its sharks & crocodiles.

[@GrouchyOldBear7]

Thanks for the video. I enjoyed it.

[@thormusique]

Another great report, thanks! I agree that there seem to be enough warnings available to people, and the dangers should be obvious. If people are stupid enough to ignore the warnings, well, karma's a bitch. Cheers!

[@yottskraper5704]

Good to know. Hi Polly!!!

[@krisklopf1901]

What a fantastic beginning of the video!!!

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Glad you liked it!

[@bigantplowright5711]

Must admit I was caught there. Knee deep in the North Atlantic in February, my feet were blue when I eventually changed my footwear.

[@carolynnkelly283]

GREAT SHOW

[@mistermylo8607]

Was the person 8 or 80 years old? Couldn’t understand. We call them undertows or sneaker waves here in the US and the beaches are posted warning people but, sadly , people still get swept out to sea 😢those columns of rock are known as post piles. We have some in Mammoth Lakes formed by quick freeze of lava flows millions of years ago .

[@gordondryden6266]

80

[@jokerswank6082]

I appreciate the video since I'm going to Iceland for a little less than a week and it turns out it's part of the itinerary (not my idea), and hearing about the dangers of this and wanting to know where to be if I have to go there, brought me to this video. God forbid I cross the rocks being shown since they seem to make sense as a border that shouldn't be crossed

[@georginatoland]

Even the warm and gentle Pacific Ocean claims the lives of foolish teens each year. I agree that a lifeguard may be Iceland’s best solution for the situation at the black sand beaches. Also a good media campaign. Maybe sell t-shirts nearby that read “DON’T PLAY WITH THE SEA. IT ALWAYS WINS.” In multiple languages.

[@Norfolk250]

Perhaps do a TimeLapse of how far the water comes up onto the beach.

[@bjorndunderbeck]

We just got back from iceland yesterday and all to briefely visited this beach three days ago, the light system is operational, it was flashing red. I grew up next to the sea and have enjoyed watching the ocean my whole life, these were very easily some of the most dangerous waves I have seen. People walked past the sign sometimes without reading it because the waves were so amazingly enticing. I stood in the best place to get the photos I wanted of the waves crashing against the cliffs whilst being mindful of the sea on my right and others taking pics around me, I saw a big wave come in and followed it with my camera as it took down a chinese lady her friend and her 2yr old (or younger) boy. He was in serious danger of being taken by the wave, she tried to hold him up as she fell over and the other woman came back with the wave as it receeded and grabbed the boy, they all got out thankfully and I assume they got the child dry and warm. The thing is we like it because of the danger, our brains need that bit of unpredictable/predictable risk. it makes us feel alive when we get away with it. We should not be stopped from this experience, But maybe we should be aware that just like in lottery advertising 'IT COULD BE YOU!' that ends up being the death there that year. Just don't include your children in your stupid behaviour.

[@gfritlev9956]

Sometimes only a moment divides between life and death. The nature in Iceland is beautiful and fascinating, at the same time can be unforgiving.

[@ericassuvtravels]

This is a great video for safety

[@nh5388]

We are visiting soon. Thank you for the info! Maybe a tourism brochure on the airplane with Iceland information. Some people will just not care.

[@marlajohnson810]

We were there last week. All the signs and the rescue devices were enough to scare us. We were definitely careful and kept clear of the waves. Sad that the warning signs aren’t enough for everyone.

[@kimmoss-allen9559]

Watching the video, I realize we were lucky enough to visit that beach at low tide. Being from a desert area, the ocean is a constant surprise to me! Maybe respect for the ocean should be part of every tourism ad. 👍

[@janicegipson4691]

Mama said never swim against the pull, swim across it. As I loved to body surf, I learned how to do what she said because I got pulled under & out, & I’m still here to let you know it works. I grew up on the US Pacific Coast, colder generally than the Atlantic. We call those big waves ‘sneaker waves’, have signs everywhere too but lose people every year to them, almost always visitors not residents. The oceans are worldwide, we never see the whole picture, so for us they are not predictable! We don’t have the problems of landowners vs public oversight, because it’s been ruled that no one can own the ocean or it’s shores. So that conflict is transferred to beach access, since public lands at the coast are limited where there’s good road access. Good Luck with your message, it’s true just up against human nature!

[@mercurywoodrose]

beach has a slope like our pt reyes national seashore. very deadly undertow. ive seen a surfer struggle to get out of the water.

[@koljak9395]

We stayed overnight in a little hut at Reynisfjara in 2013. Experiencing this marvel of nature on a stormy day, including a stunning sunset and gorgeous early morning light - unforgettable. A big part of the magic was how completely unspoiled the place was, no service station, signposts, whatever. I'd hate to see that sacrificed to safety measures. But we also witnessed some guy trying to climb over the stone pillars to the cave, while the waves were coming in. In flipflops. Fortunately, he gave up. I don't think anything but a lifeguard can hold back tourists from inventing new ways to kill themselves.

[@jamjigger2188]

Gorgeous, gorgeous beach. Very sad people underestimate the power of the sea.

[@robertmayfield8746]

Beautiful scenery

[@velvetbees]

Polly is raising morale. You can't be sad when Polly is around. She is very good at her job. Well done describing the danger. This is a really good video.

[@juliocean1331]

Thank You Valur, Art and Polly. Iceland is truly the most beautiful country. 💕🇮🇸 The black beaches and coastal rock formations are stunnjng. The sea is beautiful but must always be respected. It is not the Mediterranean! Very sad about the 80 year old man who perished in the sea. No doubt he was caught unawares by a sudden, strong wave that knocked him off his feet. RIP. Condolences to his Family. Unfortunately, no matter how many laws and precautions Authorities take, you will always get the daredevil (idiots) who think that they can outsmart nature. They not only put themselves at risk but they endanger the lives of Search & Rescue Team Members. They don't think about their own Families and most definitely do not consider the Families of Rescue Workers. Just as some idiotic tourists refused to listen to Authorities who told them not to walk on the fresh lava at Geldingadalir, so some will think that they are smarter than the sea and can paddle in the shallows / walk close to the sea without any danger.. They think that they are invincible / untouchable in a foreign country. The big sign board showing safe beach practices should also show the number of fatalities at the beach. That may serve as a deterrent to some. An International Beach Warning Flag System should be in place. Two Red Flags means that the beach is closed! If people chose to ignore the rules and get into trouble, Authoroties should throw them lifebouy and say "save yourself". People must take personal responsibility and have respect for their host country. If they break the law, they should be sent home.

[@christinewhite6211]

Is it not possible to post a lifeguard at dangerous positions?

[@delzworld2007]

Never mind a Covid test, make tourists take an intelligence test to be allowed to venture into places like this. Well, just a stupid idea. But, here in Portugal, there are colour coded flags flying for sea conditions and life guards are in attendance during the peak summer months.

[@TropicPoss]

Same thing in Australia, where we can also have dangerous surf conditions. Flags and lifeguards. It's a long tradition here. :)

[@almurry8943]

Have the tides ever come past the rocks? And if the tide never comes past the rocks, what would happen if it did? Would the rocks be moved back further to show where people would be safe from the tide? I hope I am explaining myself right and you understand what I am asking. I’m not sure I’m asking this question right.

[@Coquille2000]

Gorgeous beach, amazing waves, love the sound of the water. Can’t wait to go back, despite the sneaker waves! But respect the water and never turn your back on it if you’re there!

[@jennasilvia271]

I was there in 2020 and believe i saw a sea monster. Beautiful place.

[@danielrimbaud-cantor]

Parabens pelo video. Existem dias onde o mar está calmo e é possivel entrar na agua, sem perigo (usando um traje com isolamento termico)? Nesta praia o mar se torna fundo repentinamente, ou é possivel avançar bastante, antes de se tornar fundo?

[@nancycurtis3230]

In Australia, if the rips don't get you, the sharks will. Seriously, Australia has many manned and flagged beaches. Lifesavers will tell you that no matter what, people will almost always overestimate their abilities. Most are visitors. Our area is renowned for its tourists dying climbing, or getting stuck during the climb on Mount Arapalies. Year in, year out, despite multiple signs warning of danger.

[@davidconnell3867]

I guess whatever they come up with won’t be foolproof; let alone “damn fool” proof…

[@yvonnevandermeer8471]

We were there in oktober 2019, we had always look at the sea and don’t turn our back to the sea because it’s so dangerous. We saw all the signs. There was a lot of wind that day. It was nice and we were aware of the danger.

[@roberthigbee3260]

Hauntingly beautiful opening. The pinpricks of a man and dog, devoid of ethnicity & politics, clinging to the crust of infinity fading to the ceaseless heartbeat of the primordial ocean.

[@birdwatcher7522]

We were there last year at low tide and were able to make it past the cave. ALWAYS watched the water and encountered one sneaker wave. This year, the tide was higher, and there were more sneaker waves. We saw the sign and heeded it. I've seen videos of bad things, and I consider that population pruning. 🙂 🌊

[@mbsbrown7838]

Your location is the northern Atlantic ocean, common sense tells one that the water is cold. Many people do not have the respect or sense to realize that, I call it the Law of Natural Consequences. I am sorry about the deaths this year, but if one is not knowledgeable about their surroundings or the consequences of their choices, let nature take its course. It is BEAUTIFUL and would be a great disservice to close that beach.

[@AuthenticDarren]

By or on these signs they should show in big clear letters and numbers the death toll of this beach. This kind of stark message has a big effect on peoples' behaviour. Like 9 people have been killed on this beach in the last three years, followed by a brief description how along with the normal description of the waves. And yes a couple of lifeguards would give a few people jobs.

[@christinewhite6211]

Only seen the sea in Beira, Mozambique and the Cape, South Africa. All very gentle, but we were affected by a hurricane in Beira, which wasn’t fun! It was a beautiful beach of fine white sand, but when the wind whips that up it really stings! I was only around 7 years old, but I did get to understand the power of nature!

[@JuanKenobiObi]

No Lights :-( ugh. Lifeguard/ docent is a great idea though. People don't appreciate the danger, then they see others bad examples etc.

[@keithgeorge4063]

we have the same problem at Peggy's Cove Nova Scotia. People being washed off the rocks. mostly accidents, some suicides. they need to stay off the Black Rocks to stay out of trouble, but they don't always listen.

[@TheDharmaDogs]

the best part about Iceland... If you're stupid, and get hurt, it's your fault, not someone else's. Don't lose that!

[@alainvosselman9960]

Cool of you to take your time to warn people so extensively ! Maybe ad to the signs that people should think about the pain they will put their relatives thru if they want to play deadly games with a deadly ocean. It seems cruel but i hope at least this will have people think for a second.

[@valhoundmom]

It's no joke. I've been there at high tide and low tide, pay attention to what the Icelanders tell you about this. And pay attention to where you are and what is happening around you.

[@giammira]

What about also planting steel (or any non rusting metal) poles of suitable colours very deep in the sand spaced out about 5 to 10 mts from each other at least in the most dangerous area and also ladders in the lower cave for people to run to them and hold on to them or climb? If they drill 3 to 10 mts underground (down to the rocky bottom if possible) and let the poles stick out only 1 mt or so above, the sea is not going to wash the poles away as they offer little resistence and are so deep in the ground