Naturist Health & Safety

People often have misconstrued ideas about naturist health, in particular exposure to the sun, the risk of cancer and the safety of children in a naturst location.

SUN SAFETY:
Some people may think that getting completely naked in the harsh New Zealand sun will increase the risk of skin cancer but this is quite unfounded. The genital area, buttocks and breasts (the nipples in particular) tan easily providing some natural protection. If you visit nude beaches and take a good look at naturists bodies you'll notice that more often than not that mens penises are darker than the rest of their body, as are the nipples of both sexes. It's about how you expose yourself to the sun. Naturists tend to be sun lovers that enjoy getting an all over tan. This is acheived by regular and sensible exposure. The use of sun creams, hats, and retreating into the shade are all important factors when sunbathing, whether naked or not. So naturists usually have a better natural resistance to the suns damaging rays, indeed you're far more likely to see people with sunburnt areas of their body at a beach where people are wearing togs than at a nude beach.

Another thing that some people get confused about is breast cancer. Some women think that exposing their breasts, in particular their nipples to the sun can increase their chance of getting breast cancer. This is incorrect, the suns damaging rays are not thought to be a cause of breast cancer. Indeed the vitamins asorbed throught the skin from the sun actually help to prevent many forms of cancer. Skin cancer typically starts on overly exposed areas of the body such as the back, shoulders and head.

BE SUN SMART! Visit the New Zealand Cancer Society Website for more information.

CHILD SAFETY:

Some people think that taking your children to a naturist location is more dangerous than clothed locations as they attract pedophiles and perverts. As far as we know there is no evidence to suggest that this is true but we do not discount the possiblity. Sick people exist throughout society but Naturist clubs and genuine naturists at nude beaches keep a very close eye on their children and take particular offence and action against unwanted behaviour. WE ARE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR BAD TYPES and don't tolerate them whatsoever. Naturists tend to be friendly people that quickly get to know each other, so it's often the case that for instance on a nude beach, other naturists will be looking out for your childrens safety. This provides a security net that clothed beaches don't always provide as some people can become complacent about the whereabouts & safety of their children. We urge people to be vigilant and proactive in keeping our beaches safe for
children. If you witness suspicious behaviour please report it to the authorities A.S.A.P!

If you have an opinion that you'd like to express on the issues on this page then we strongly welcome you to have your say in the comments boxes below.