Renek Gaszewski [Blog]

The topic of naturism in public places is always a hot topic…would you like Jersey to have an official nudist beach?
A few years ago BBC Jersey reported that British Naturism was encouraging its Jersey members to meet for informal gatherings, and it sparked a passionate debate over whether there should be a dedicated nudist beach in the island.
As things stands there are no officially designated areas in the island for naturism, although there are rumours of some locations being occasionally used by naturists.
At the moment getting naked in public is illegal (including topless for women) under the Policing of Beaches Regulations, and doing so can result in a caution or even arrest (if a member of the public finds it offensive).
However, many people felt that if a secluded piece of shoreline was turned into a nudist beach, and there were plenty of signs warning the public of potential nakedness, that there wouldn’t be a problem.
85% in favour
In fact, in a non-scientific poll of more than six hundred people, 85% were in favour of designating one of Jersey’s beaches for naturists, compared with just 8% who were against it (the remaining 7% didn’t mind either way).
“What a great idea,” wrote Simon, “it’s about time the island relaxed a little and gave the naturists somewhere to strut their stuff.”
Roddy agreed that there should be a “discreet” official beach where naturists can gather so that non-naturists “would therefore be able to avoid the area if they found naturism repulsive”.
The value of the naked pound
Plenty of people argued that the Jersey tourism market could get a boost if there was an authorised nudist beach in the island:
“I would have thought Jersey would have realised that the Naturist GBP or Euro is worth having,” said Stewart.
“Face up to the fact that the naked pound is a good source of income,” agreed Pete. “I’ve been on holiday to Jersey many times and the only thing the island lacks is a naturist beach.”
Another holidaymaker from Surrey said Jersey was “a very warm, welcoming and beautiful environment” and that he would “seriously consider returning” if naturists were catered for.
Don’t like it? Stay away!
“I would urge Jersey to set aside a beach somewhere on the island,” said Ian, “the combination of stunning coast and good weather is just too good to be ignored”.
And it wasn’t just naturists who felt that Jersey would benefit from having an official nudist’s beach:
“It’s not my scene but I see no reason why those who want to be as nature intended should not have designated areas where they can,” said Paul, “Those who don’t like it can stay away.”
The guy from the cornershop - naked
There were a handful of people who felt that Jersey was not the right sort of place to have a nudist beach:
“Jersey’s too small for it to be legal anywhere,” said JW, “I really don’t want to bump into a colleague, the guy from the Co-Op or my Mum’s friend baring their all!”
Then there were others who were against the idea on principle as they don’t agree with naturism in public places:
“The last thing I wish to come across upon a leisure visit to St Ouen is a gaggle of naked pensioners,” explained Steven. “Some acts are just plainly offensive and public nudity is damn well one of them.”
‘Simply exhibitionism’
“It’s a seriously bad idea,” said Eddie. “The beaches are for everyone and it’s a ridiculous idea to set aside a nice stretch of sand for a naturist minority.”
“Nudism is simply exhibitionism – a sexual fetish,” Nev believed.
“It is inappropriate to show naked flesh in public,” said Andreas, “the temptation is too great to resist for some heathens out there.”
‘Nudity does not imply obscenity’
The majority of comments submitted to bbc.co.uk/jersey held that naturism is nothing to do with sexuality, and that it’s about feeling relaxed in your own skin ‘as nature intended’.
“It is possible to be totally naked but still act with dignity and decorum. Nudity does not imply obscenity,” argued Reg.
“Come on – what’s more natural than wearing no clothes?” asked Helen. “It’s refreshing in this chemical, artificial world we now live in.”
Mother Nature is no excuse
Suzanne agreed that whilst nudity may be ‘natural’ she didn’t think that it makes a case to walk around naked:
“Being nude is Mother Nature, but so are many other things which we do not continue to pursue, or pursue in public;
“Mother Nature dictates that women are made for nurturing babies and staying at home – but we don’t pursue that.
“Mother Nature dictates that humans have sex – but we do not do that in public.”
Attitudes change
Craig thought that the step to totally nudity is not a big one to take here on Jersey beaches anyway:
“Topless sunbathing for women has been commonly accepted here for many years, and bikini bottoms have got smaller and smaller to the point where there really isn’t much point in wearing them at all.”
He hoped that in the future all beaches might be clothes-optional:
“All but the most prudish of people look back at the Victorian days of bathing machines and swimming attire that people wore with a touch of laughter,” he said.
“Hopefully one day we will look back on this era at how we used to swim and sunbathe whilst wearing clothes and chuckle to ourselves how ridiculous that was.”
The debate rages on…
So, the argument for and against Jersey having a designated nudist beach continues well into 2007 – but what do you think?
If Jersey had a nudist beach would you be whipping off your clothes and heading down there like a shot, or do you think that it’s just plain wrong to have your wobbly bits out in public?
Share your views on baring all…