There appear to be no local events planned for National Skinny Dip Day. The American Association for Nude Recreation says the person who operates the Marseilles based South Side Sun Club is shy about being interviewed. Spokesman Jeffrey Baldasarre says no events are listed for the club. But he told us what the day and this week are about. He says nudist clubs around the world are participating in International Nude Recreation Week (July 5 to 12) with swimming, pickle ball, volleyball, bicycling, and other sports.
Audio PlayerBaldasarre says if you want to do something for National Skinny Dip Day, he recommends a private observance in your own swimming pool or hot tub. AANR says no one should engage in public nudity except where it’s allowed. Baldasarre lives in Florida where there are nude beaches. Illinois has none.
Why do some people want to swim, play tennis, and hike nude? Baldasarre says to enjoy freedom from clothing. He says that also means freedom from judgment.
Audio PlayerThis is AANR’s anniversary week. It’s marking 90 years of advocating for places where people may go unclothed without interference and inviting people to try it and see if they like it. That’s a nine decade history of lobbying to change laws and win over opponents.
The opponents say social or casual nudity is inherently immoral, sexual, and corrupting. Some sex clubs have called themselves nudist clubs. Some of the nudist movement’s proponents have been accused of covering up sexual impropriety or committing it themselves.
Baldasarre says AANR is emphatic about its clubs hosting non-sexual activity. He says the association once expelled a club whose management took it in the other direction.
He says more in this interview clip: