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At the top of the P-I today is a story about nude swimmers who like to converge on the Ballard pool for a monthly go. The crux of the story is that the Ballard pool is having a tough time finding lifeguards to stand watch during Naked Swim. We're not sure that making sure nude people don't drown is akin to selling the morning after pill. Do lifeguards really need to turn down duty simply because they don't agree with nudism? Is there a soul who wouldn't save a naked guy just because his junk is out there?
Part of the problem was that the city raised the Naked Swim lifeguard age to 21. According to the P-I:
What's the benefit of 21 instead of, say, 18, 19 or 20? Potter called it a "safety thing."If that's so, what kind of immature, irresponsible, under-21 lifeguards are they entrusting with the rest of our clothed safety? Seriously."The thinking of the management staff is that if there are any distractions at all you need a mature lifeguard on the pool deck," Potter said. "It's truly to make sure people are safe in the water."
photo by Seattlest Flickr user Dylan Koutsky
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There was a similar problem in Manchester not too long ago. Similar, but not equal. Parents called it disgusting that a group of men would rent out the pool for a couple hours to swim naked. No child could see anything, but parents thought it was disgusting and a health hazard.
Morons.
ho hum. Looks like the PI is just trying to cash in on the buzz around the NY times story last week about nudist vacation spots. Who cares? Must be a slow news day.
The Slog's take on the PI Covering this story?
Bare-Ass in the P-I!
I have been to hundreds of naturist swimming sessions at well over 20 different venues here in the UK. The youngest person working at one, he was selling food, was about 14. Lifeguards work from the age at which they are able to qualify as lifeguards which I think is currently 16. Quite simply the nudity is not an issue. A bikini is much more distracting than nudity. "Imagine what I am hiding under here."
From this side of the Atlantic the only possible explanation is prejudice, ignorance or what is even worse pandering to the presumed prejudice of the public.
Did nobody read my comment?!
Even the "great and magical and oh so wonderfully perfect" brits have issue with this:
nude swimming thing.
So yeah, perhaps the NY Times grabbed it.
Nothing in this world is original. Everyone borrows. It's called 'inspiration,' and it's never divine.
Yes, is not a crime at all!!!
What a joy to skinny-dip,
Bare as one can be,
Water felt on all my skin
As it washes over me.
To feel warming rays all over, lying in the sun,
Remembering to rotate when one side enough is done.
Naturist looks like you and I and come from all walks of life. You will find it to be a relaxing lifestyle that is free of the daily stress we all experience. Naturist groups like http://www.naturistmingle.com are looking for people who are open minded and want to enjoy the company of others of a like mind.