Petition calls for Calgary all-ages naked swim event to be cancelled
Posted Jan 8, 2018 7:08 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
There are growing concerns over an upcoming naked swim night at a city pool.
The first of three private, after-hours events organized by Calgary Nude Recreation is scheduled for this Sunday at the Southland Leisure Centre.
The group’s Meetup.com page stresses the events aren’t to show off your body to others, compare or stare, but rather a place that people can enjoy being naked.
It describes itself as family-oriented and kid-friendly, but some Calgarians are worried about the safety of children at an event like this.
A petition on change.org to stop the event has more than 6,000 signatures.
April Parker, who started the petition, posted that while she respects the concept and believes in an 18+ setting, having naked children around a bunch of naked adults doesn’t seem like a good idea.
She went on to say she’s worried children in attendance who have experienced sexual-abuse traumas could potentially be triggered, adding the event would be “just like Christmas” to sexual predators.
Councillor Jeromy Farkas has also voiced his concern, posting on Facebook that he’s not sure organizers will be able to maintain the comfort, safety and security of everyone in attendance.
He’d have no problem if it was adults only, but wondered who would be on the hook if a child or other vulnerable person was assaulted, or if photos were taken and posted or sold.
The event is sold out and the group said it will not accept cash at the door.
Two other events are already being planned for February 11 and March 11.
