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Levenshulme Swimming Baths on Barlow Road.
Levenshulme Swimming Baths on Barlow Road.
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Naked swim sessions 'are decent'

Chris Osuh
5/ 4/2008

THE organiser of naked swimming sessions at a Manchester pool has defended them - and says they are `great'.

The M.E.N revealed that dozens of complaints had been lodged over nudist sessions for gay users at the public baths.

But now the organiser has spoken out in defence of their right to swim naked in a council-run pool.

M.E.N readers have also spoken up in support of the Naked Swim group, arguing that they were entirely innocent and a harmless activity for naturists.

More than 100 web users have commented on our story - with most saying there should be no problem with the specialist group.

The naturist group has booked pool and saunas sessions at the Levenshulme Pools and Fitness Centre every week for the past nine months.

During the closed, Thursday night sessions, visitors are still able to use another pool there.

But some local mums have accused pool managers of preferential treatment and withdrawn children from lessons, while the group say they have the right to private sessions.

The organiser, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, also insisted that naked swimming was no less sanitary than normal sessions.

He said of the sessions: "They are great and they attract a very intelligent, decent group of people. These women have a right to complain to the management, who can reassure them.

"But when it becomes a story, other people become involved who have other agendas and that's the scary bit."

One 56-year-old member, who helps organise the sessions, added: "Naked swim is exactly the same as Northern Wave, a gay swimming club that has been running for 10 years, except that here we swim with our trunks off.

"It's a private club and it's a private arrangement between the members and the swimming pool.

"It's nobody else's business. We live in a free society, but there is always the possibility of people who are offended attacking us, so we would like this to be dealt with some sensitivity.

"People do have the right to complain about the group if they feel they have cause to, but that is a private matter between them and the management."

Our online poll showed 64 per cent support for allowing public baths to host nude swimming sessions.

One web user said: "My local swimming pool always used to have a naturist swim. I do not find the idea of the pool being used by a group who book the facility offensive."

Another said: "Not showering before a swim is unhygienic, swimming in the nude isn't.

"We could learn a lot from people on the Continent."

What do you think? Have your say.


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Most recent 2 of 33 user comments

   The root of all this mistrust and prejudice is after all down to those filthy paediatricians. Attacking their houses apparently hasn't stopped them. ;-)
PW, Manchester
26/05/2008 at 11:29
   There is a difference in nudism or naturalism and pornography. Nudism believes in the freedom from the restrictions of clothing, Porn is for sexual gratification. 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 are looking for people who are open minded and want to enjoy the company of others of a like mind.
Sarababe, North Jones
26/05/2008 at 03:19