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Controversial Nudist Family Event Returns To Waterworld

Controversial Nudist Family Event Returns To Waterworld

The skinny dipping session has received criticism in the past

EMS 7

EMS 7

Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent has sparked controversy after announcing another of its nude family swims.

The skinny dipping session has received criticism in the past, including a paedophile hunter group who protested against the event that is open to adults and children of all ages.

Nonetheless, this year the organisation is going ahead with what it describes as the 'biggest waterpark event of the year' on Saturday (26 September).

Waterworld

Organiser British Naturism has defended the gathering, stating that it will safeguard its members from both paedophiles and those vulnerable to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement, a spokesman said: "British Naturism is an organisation that has been in existence for over 50 years with many of our clubs being even older. We have a membership of 9,000 over 18s.

"We take our safeguarding and health and safety responsibility seriously and review our practices in advance of every event we run.

"We have a robust child and vulnerable adults safeguarding policy - it's actually rather ignorant of the complainers to assume that we don't.

"We also have a strict 'no cameras' rule with any photographs to record the event only being taken by our official photographer, who follow certain guidelines about what can be taken.

Waterworld

"Children at our events are always supervised by their parents and not allowed to attend unaccompanied - unlike schools, churches, scouts, play areas and other venues where parents 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."

Meanwhile, Waterworld owner Mo Chaudry sent a letter to local publication The Sentinel, claiming that British Naturism is a 'perfectly law-abiding organisation'.

He wrote: "We have been unjustly accused of encouraging paedophiles. Far Right protest group Britain First has been trying to whip up a frenzy by handing out inflammatory flyers.

"Some of our staff have even been subjected to unacceptable and unwarranted personal abuse. So it's time to set the record straight and get this situation into perspective.

Waterworld

"British Naturism is a perfectly law-abiding organisation which has been hiring our venue - and many similar sites across the UK - for private swimming events for more than 20 years.

"In all that time, the Waterworld sessions have passed off happily and peacefully, and we have never had any reasons for concern.

"It's important to point out that these events are completely private. They are not open to anyone to simply walk in off the street.

"They are restricted to the organisation's members and pre-registered guests, and no children attend without parents or guardians."

Those who are interested in the event can purchase a ticket, which costs £18 for adult British Naturist members and £24 for non-members, with discounts on family bundles.

Featured Image Credit: Waterworld

Topics: UK News