Nude Family swim at Stoke Waterworld

[VortexofBloggery]

Flagged up by Sammy Woodhouse on Twitter.
mobile.twitter.com/sammywoodhouse1/status/1308822025797013509

Supported by who else but NSPCC.

Adults can buy a single ticket.

To Shut it down, Change petition here:
www.change.org/p/water-world-stop-nude-family-swim-session-for-adults-and-children-of-all-ages-at-water-world?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_24863394_en-GB%3A2&recruiter=1151217419&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=tap_basic_share

Attended by convicted paedophile
www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/4047602.convicted-brierfield-paedophile-member-naturist-club/

Unbelievable.

While I don't really get the appeal of events like this (each to their own) I'd argue that children are much more at risk from sex offenders in their own homes than at an organised event like this. How many people really know 100% who their kids are talking to online?

This is just wrong-adults can consent to being naked with other adults but children can't. It makes me extremely uncomfortable that children might be coerced into being naked in the presence of other adults, against their will.

While I don't really get the appeal of events like this (each to their own) I'd argue that children are much more at risk from sex offenders in their own homes than at an organised event like this.

You can use that argument to justify pretty much everything.

Wearing a swimsuit at least means the pervert has to use thier imagination a bit.

And wearing a burkini would mean the pervert would have to use their imagination even more. Although some might prefer that extra effort. Basing clothing decisions on what may or may not be going through a pervert's mind is an exercise in madness.

@happydappy2

This is just wrong-adults can consent to being naked with other adults but children can't. It makes me extremely uncomfortable that children might be coerced into being naked in the presence of other adults, against their will.

If children were being coerced into nudity against their will, that would be worrying indeed.

Naturist children are brought up in a naturist positive environment, where naturism is a part of their family values and lifestyle, but of course they have choices, and a voice too.

The same as I imagine most people would hope children aren’t being coerced into doing anything they don’t want to do as part of their family life where a choice is available and appropriate.

@movingonup20

I've been on holiday to Germany a few times and it's normal to swim naked and take saunas etc, lots of kids and no issues. Some kids were in costumes (probably the Brits) and a few adults, personal preference. What to do about restrictions on convicted paedophiles is different, they shouldn't be allowed to join sports clubs or use facilities when kids are present anyway.

Me too. And this is not the case everywhere, far from it.

DreadPirateLuna

There's a massive difference between exposing your genitals and leaving other body parts uncovered.

My DS has sensory issues, but we have found swimsuits to meet his needs. I don't feel particularly comfortable in a bikini (or many other clothes for that matter) but I just don't see why that justifies dragging your kids along to your adult hobby.

I also wonder how nudists teach thier children about privacy and consent when they teach them it's perfectly fine for non-related adults and children to be naked around each other.

Sterfran what do naturist families do when the children hit puberty & become embarrassed about nudity? Do they encourage the child to make their own decisions or expect them to embrace nudity?

Has anyone collected data on the frequency of sexual offences occurring in naturist clubs and events? Do they occur with more, less, or the same frequency as elsewhere? Having answers to these questions could certainly affect my opinion on this issue.

@MandosHatHair

DreadPirateLuna

There's a massive difference between exposing your genitals and leaving other body parts uncovered.

My DS has sensory issues, but we have found swimsuits to meet his needs. I don't feel particularly comfortable in a bikini (or many other clothes for that matter) but I just don't see why that justifies dragging your kids along to your adult hobby.

I also wonder how nudists teach thier children about privacy and consent when they teach them it's perfectly fine for non-related adults and children to be naked around each other.

Ok, naturism isn’t an adult hobby - that implies something else altogether!

It’s a lifestyle where nudity is accepted for the simple thing it is - people are comfortable in their own skin, and spend time with other naturists because they have the same beliefs - if you know someone else is comfortable with simple nudity, it makes sense to be part of that community. No one is worried about nude sunbathing or swimming because we know we all feel the same about it.

I teach my kids about privacy and consent the same as I imagine most parents do - age appropriate information and discussion and an open family where any question is ok.

Naturist children and (people) experience a naturist environment ie non sexual nudity. It doesn’t mean we would accept inappropriate sexual behaviour, in a naturist or non naturist environment.

Also good to remember that naturists also live in a non naturist world, so we do all sorts of things clothed too.

@happydappy2

Sterfran what do naturist families do when the children hit puberty & become embarrassed about nudity? Do they encourage the child to make their own decisions or expect them to embrace nudity?

Hmmmm, your question implies that it’s a given that all children hitting puberty will become embarrassed about nudity. And of course that can be the case. I have a teen and a tween and so far they are still happy with our naturist lifestyle. Our children make all sorts of decisions within their lives and the same goes for naturism. If it was something they became in uncomfortable about, we would of course address it and adapt accordingly.

@Handsoffisback

You teach your kids about privacy and consent and then force them to parade naked in public? Yes, makes perfect sense. Their boundaries won’t be blurred at all as they get older....

I think I may have already said, there’s no forcing involved! And definitely no parading (I’m not even sure I know what that looks like in your head!!!). Oh, and it’s not public either - just within the naturist community...

I don't really get the upset about seeing people's genitals "without consent". It implies a sexualisation of all the body in all circumstances, and I think that's terribly negative.

Genitals are simply not inherently always sexual. Public bathing is normal in many places as noted. In many places family nudity is much more common. In other cultures no one wears any clothing at all. They don't go around asking for "consent" any more than I ask for consent for showing my knees when I go out in shorts. If I took my child to visit the Amazon jungle, would it be a problem that my child hasn't consented to a trip that means they might see a penis or breasts?

The main point of naturism as I understand it is to see the body as not only sexual but also simply a just a body. Old, young, thin, fat, etc. It seems to work fairly effectively at it for those who are into naturism though I think in some ways it's impractical and will never catch on widely. Though I would be all for public baths to catch on in our culture.

It makes sense to me that given the out of proportion sexualisation of nudity in our culture - the mirror of societies where women are forced to cover everything and stay away from men - naturist groups would need to be careful about attracting perverts, and as I understand it most are aware of this problem. This kind of event does seem like something that might require some thought for that reason.

As far as children being "involved" in a pervert masturbating - I don't think that's how it works. A thousand women might masturbate thinking about Brad Pitt, but he's really not involved at all.

Naturist children and (people) experience a naturist environment ie non sexual nudity

Nudity however is often sexual in nature. How do you distinguish?

So do you believe that Robert Enright was taking part in nudist events to enjoy simple nudity? If they let a convicted paedophile slip through the net so easily, how can you feel your children are safe?

@MandosHatHair

So do you believe that Robert Enright was taking part in nudist events to enjoy simple nudity? If they let a convicted paedophile slip through the net so easily, how can you feel your children are safe?

I have no idea what his intentions were anymore than you. From reading the report the police informed British Naturism when they found his card, and he would have been expelled as a member at that point.. This was 2008 I believe, and I imagine like any organisation lessons will have been learnt and processes looked at and tightened where necessary. Unfortunately, there’s no 100% foolproof method, same as anywhere. Of course someone could ‘skip through’ as they do with clubs that children attend and other things... It’s a bit of a circular argument though - how do I know a teacher at my children’s school isn’t an as yet unconvicted paedophile...? As parents we put our trust in others when our children aren’t with us. I’m with my children at events, and my direct experience informs me constantly and as any parent, I make informed judgements and decisions accordingly...

@ItsAllGoingToBeFine

Naturist children and (people) experience a naturist environment ie non sexual nudity

Nudity however is often sexual in nature. How do you distinguish?

Nudity can be sexual in nature of course - whether it’s ‘often’ would depend on the person I imagine. So, sexual nudity would more likely be in specific circumstances and places: private ones eg bedrooms..? Where behaviour/dialogue would be the main indicators...?

The hysteria here is just bizarre.

Any children will presumably be supervised so are at no risk of harm. Simple.

If you don’t like it, don’t go. No need to spoil other’s fun.