Conference moira::naturism

32.0. "Free Beach Etiquette" by MOIRA::FAIMAN (Ontology Recapitulates Philology) Thu Mar 10 1988 18:04

    I'm not sure what the source of these guidelines is.  They may have 
    come from NENA originally (possibly from Moonstone), but this list 
    was published in the Spring 1985 _Clothed_with_the_Sun_.  Basically, 
    these are just common sense rules for nude beach behavior -- they 
    aren't official or enforced (although NENA does use them as rules 
    for its private activities, such as winter pool swims).
    
    	-Neil
	
    ======================================================================
    
    
    			Free Beach Etiquette
			
		   A Guide to Gracious Sunbathing

    1.  STAY OUT OF DUNES and other environmentally sensitive areas.
    
    2.  OBEY PARKING REGULATIONS and other posted rules.
    
    3.  HELP WITH CONTROL OF LITTER by bringing along a trash bag. 
	Carry out more than you brought in.
	
    4.  DON'T GO OUT OF ESTABLISHED NUDE AREAS.  To wander nude into a
	clothed beach or parking area will offend many.  It undermines
	our objectives.
	
    5.  NO OVERT SEXUAL ACTIVITY.  Leave exhibitionism to those attending
	clothed beaches.  Let the public see that nude is not rude, or
	lewd.
	
    6.  RESPECT THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS.
    
    7.  ASK PRIOR CONSENT FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.  People cannot legally be
	stopped from taking pictures in public places.  However, asking 
	permission is common courtesy.  Not everyone wants to end up in
	a stranger's summer album.  Above all, parents should be asked
	before children are photographed.
	
    8.  PRIVACY IS FUNDAMENTAL!  Beach Romeos should take note that 
	single women cherish private time.  Generally a woman alone 
	is not waiting for an uninvited male to make her day.  Without 
	explicit invitation, it's crude to impose on someone's quiet 
	beach time.
	
    9.  COME PREPARED.  Bring beach supplies:  beverage, food, chair,
	sunscreen, and towel.  Don't expect others to share these 
	sometimes costly items.  Mooching is offensive.
	
    10. SPEAK UP FOR STANDARDS.  If a person seems unaware of the beach
	etiquette, explain it, kindly and plainly.  Don't let selfish
	types ruin our fragile and beautiful ideal, a beach culture
	that incorporates nudity with dignity.

    RE: 32.1
    
    I agree that these are good guidelines for everyday activity, not
    just nude behavior.
    
    RE: 32.0.8
    
    "Beach Romeos" -- Just a question that often frustrates me, why
    is it only female's choice to initiate invitation.  I agree that
    if someone wants private time, that should be respected, but does
    it never occur that a single male is given unwanted attention? 
    Just some frustration over sexism.
    
    Kerry

    re .2:
    
    It's a matter of degree and sensitivity. It's hard to cover all
    the permutations of circumstances you might find yourself in with
    a few measly rules, but they're a good starting point from which
    you may expand upon the general theme once you've got the idea.
    Suffice it to say, if you ( not you in particular ) consider yourself
    a "Romeo", the rule probably applies. It's nice to meet people at
    the beach, nude or otherwise. There is a difference, however, between
    conversation and solicitation. If this isn't entirely clear, then
    hopefully one knows how to accept no for an answer.
    
    For nudists/naturists it's a little harder because we are burdened
    with myths from the word go. People are going to be harder on us
    if something goes wrong. Not only do we have to be well behaved,
    we have to be better behaved to stand any chance of equal footing.
    
    Sad but True.
    						John.