"Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature, characterized by the practice of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others, and for the environment."
Naturists, or nudists, are an otherwise diverse group that believe in the
acceptance of the human body as natural and not shameful. Naturists may be found
both at private nudist resorts, and on suitable public commons sites.
The INF
has about 2.5 million members.
However, skinny-dipping is older than the establishment of formal naturist organizations; noted enthusiasts
have included such Americans as Ben Franklin, J.Q. Adams and Theodore Roosevelt.
More recently, a 2006 NEF/Roper poll indicated
that 25% of Americans have gone skinny-dipping or nude sunbathing, and that 74% approve of such use
at accepted or designated public sites.
• Are there moral issues?
We could hardly improve on the following statement:
"...the human body can remain nude and uncovered and preserve intact its splendor and its beauty......Nakedness as such is not to be equated with physical shamelessness...Immodesty is present only when nakedness plays a negative role with regard to the value of the person...The human body is not in itself shameful..."
— Karol Cardinal Woytyla (Pope John Paul II),
Love & Responsibility, 1981, trans. of original 1960 Polish publication.
We could say much more, but additional info on naturism is already posted on these recommended web sites:
Interested in joining our Beach Ambassadors? Contact Ken Tauer
Naturist Beach Etiquette
• Gawking or staring is rude!
• No glass containers allowed on the beach.
• Pets are not allowed on the beach.
• Clean up your area.
• Do not enter or walk in the dunes.
• Don’t use the beach as an ashtray.
• Use earphones or keep radio volume low.
• Please exercise common courtesy and ask permission
before taking photos of those not in your party.
• Dress before leaving posted Naturist area.
Public sexual activity is inappropriate & illegal. FL statutes 800.03 & 800.04 provide for misdemeanor and felony penalties for public lewd behavior.
