Child submerged by wave at Reynisfjara beach

A young girl was submerged by a wave at Reynisfjara beach on Wednesday but escaped unharmed, mbl.is reported. Tour guide Heiðrún Hauksdóttir filmed the incident.

Heiðrún said she saw several parents allowing children to run around on the beach despite the large waves. After returning to the shore later, she noticed the water had advanced much farther up the beach. Most visitors had moved to the edge nearest the car park to watch waves hit the rock columns when she saw a wave reach a family of four. One child was swept under, as shown in her video.

Fatal accidents have occurred in similar circumstances, the report said. Heiðrún said tourists continued to take risks at the beach despite additional safety equipment installed earlier this year.

Landowners said a response plan had been activated, including a staffed checkpoint and restrictions on access to the lower car park and the eastern end of the beach. But they acknowledged that dangerous conditions developed earlier than forecast and the plan was activated too late. The closure and staffing measures were not in place until about 3.30pm.

The landowners said they would learn from the incident and aim to act sooner when similar conditions arise. Heiðrún originally posted the video on her Instagram account.