Protesters to return to nude swim event at Sandcastle Waterpark

British Naturism comes back to Blackpool today for a weekend of social nudity.

But a planned nude swim at the Sandcastle Waterpark tomorrow has sparked outrage among some, who have organised a protest outside the venue.

Fleetwood councillor Colette Fairbanks, who arranged the protest, said: “I do not have a problem with naturists. However, this is being advertised as a family event and it’s not – anyone can go.

“Last year there were groups of single men walking in. It’s not acceptable, in my opinion. Naturists can do what they want, but I don’t think that children should be included.”

But a spokesman for British Naturism said: “Children are safer in naturist environments as they are never allowed to attend unaccompanied and are always supervised by parents or guardians, unlike schools, churches, scouts, play areas and other venues where parents often opt to leave their children in the care of others.

“Naturist swims are being successfully – and safely – run all around the country throughout the year.

Last year’s swim saw people from the South Yorkshire-based Templar Knights group gather on the Prom, confronting some of the people seen going into the waterpark.

Normy Hood, founder of the Fleetwood Enforcers, an anti-paedophile group, said tomorrow’s protest would be peaceful, and naturists would not be harassed.

He said: “What naturists do is their business and nobody has an issue with that, the issue is that children are present. They say it’s a closed swim, however I believe that the general public who are not members can purchase tickets, enabling child sexual predators to get in."

Upcoming nude swims, which can be booked on the British Naturism events website, are open to non-members at a slightly higher cost.

Coun Fairbanks said: “People think it’s disgusting and they are not happy about it. If it’s for adults only that’s not a problem. But not for children, and definitely not for anybody.”

British Naturism said: “We have a robust child and vulnerable adults safeguarding policy. It was developed in conjunction with the NSPCC and is reviewed annually.

“We also have a strict ‘no cameras’ rule with any photographs taken to record the event being taken by our official photographer, who follows guidelines about what images can be captured.”

The Sandcastle said: “The Naturist event (including family naturists) is a private event and no one can walk in off the street without pre-registration. Any children that might attend on the night are with their parents or guardians, which is part of the safeguarding policies of The British Naturist Society.

“As with all activities at Sandcastle Waterpark we ensure that there is lifeguard supervision throughout the waterpark and all areas (except toilets and changing rooms) have comprehensive CCTV coverage, at all times.”