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British Naturism has responded to the online criticism of a number of nude swimming sessions organised by the national group.

The response comes after petitions were set up online and protests planned against a number of the sessions across the Midlands.

The issue for many people online was that children would be attending the swimming events.

Notably, a nude family swim session at Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent caused uproar among people online who said it would attract 'paedophiles'.

The organisation will also be holding a similar event at Aylestone Leisure Centre, Leicester on April 27 and protests from those who oppose the lifestyle are expected.

(Image: Google)

Now British Naturism has responded saying they take their "safeguarding and health and safety responsibility seriously" and that they work regularly with the NSPCC to ensure this.

They also assured people with concerns that anyone under the 18 would be accompanied and 'always supervised by parents or guardians'.

A spokesman for British Naturism 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.

"Naturist family swimming has been in existence for decades in the UK and there are Naturist families into their third generation.

"We take our safeguarding and health and safety responsibility seriously and review and adapt our practices in advance of every event we run. We have a robust child and vulnerable adults safeguarding policy.

"It was developed in conjunction with the NSPCC and is reviewed annually.

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

The spokesman added: "Most Naturist swims are in public venues hired for the purpose and have been run for many decades and new venues are being added all the time.

poll loading Should the naked swim session go ahead? 2000+ VOTES SO FAR Yes, there's nothing wrong with an organised naturist swim Absolutely not- the whole thing should be banned It's fine to go ahead- but no children should be involved

"The Waterworld session is not an isolated event - Naturist swims are being successfully - and safely - run all around the country throughout the year.

"A Naturist environment inspires freedom, body positivity and has been proven to make people happier, improving mental health and well being.

"It is a positive family lifestyle."