2019.03.10 The Sun
British naturists are defending nude family swimming sessions after fuming parents spoke out, claiming that the event would attract paedophiles.
The event, which is held at Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent, encourages adults and children to swim in the buff for two hours between 8pm and 10pm on April 13.
After the event was advertised online, angry parents began complaining that the event should be made "adult only" as fears sparked of paedophiles showing up.
One person wrote online: "Good grief. Under fives go free. Horrendous. I’m genuinely shocked. This needs to be stopped."
Another asked: "Why can’t they make it adult only? No issue with that. But no kids."
While a third wrote: "This is vile having NAKED children around NAKED adults is not ok, simple as that."
He told
Metro: "We understand the concerns but naturist events do not necessarily lead to any greater risks.
"Children run around naked at swimming pools and beaches, both places that members of the public can easily access.
"At our events all members will have provided us with personal information and photos of themselves previously, while non-members are asked to show ID.
"They are never unaccompanied and are always supervised by parents or guardians. It is just like any other event except the dress code is different."
Nearly 4,000 people have now signed a petition calling for the nude events to stop including children.
Creator Emma Hadaway wrote that she is not against naturists, but believes the events are a "massive safeguarding issue".
It comes after
British Naturism organised another skinny dipping event at Blackpool's Sandcastle Waterpark on Saturday evening - open to all ages.
Over 300 visitors are expected to turn up between 6pm-8pm to take to the slides with their kit off.
The society will even be celebrating its 10th year hosting the event at Sandcastle.
British Naturism was started in Northampton in 1964 and is the UK's internationally recognised organisation for naturism.
The group's Facebook page says it "exists to unite and support naturists, to protect naturist places and provide more, make social nudity more acceptable across the UK".
Sandcastle won't be advertising the event as it's rented out by the society which takes charge of the organisation.
Tickets for this weekend's event cost £21 for adult non members and £5 for children. Under fives go free.
The event will be taking place on the day of an attempted Guinness World Record at Blackpool Pleasure Beach,
Manchester Evening News reports.
They're attempting to have the most naked people riding a theme park ride at one time and will all ride the Grand National at 5pm.
