SUNSEEKERS wearing skimpy bikinis — or even less — are risking getting kicked off the beach or heavy fines. But nobody cares.

Most Sydney beachgoers would be surprised to hear topless bathers potentially face a fine of $1100. It’s just that councils are relaxed about enforcing the legislation.

While cossies have become skinnier and skimpier, so attitudes have changed since Jean Harmey dared to walk on Bondi in a bikini more than half a century ago, sparking a commotion.

Camera Icon Nowadays, skimpy bikini’s don’t offend people anymore compared to the early years. From left Maddie Caple 17, Andrea Velevska 17, Teresa Conti 26 and Priscilla Lamarque 21, at Manly Beach. Credit: News Corp Australia, Tim Hunter

Ms Harmey, now 92, recalled this week how she decided to wear her new bikini, modest by today’s standards, at a time when the then-radical swimwear was just starting to make its way into fashion in Australia.

She was only a few steps onto the sand when beach inspector Aub Laidlaw stepped in and decided it wasn’t acceptable for Sydney’s eyes.

“I didn’t think there was anything wrong with it at the time,” said Ms Harmey, who had lived across the road from Bondi Beach since she was a child.

“He told me I simply couldn’t wear something like that on the beach. The way he told me made it seem like he was disgusted by the fact I was wearing a bikini.”

Today, laws are still in place for those who are a bit too risque, but they are rarely enforced.

Camera Icon Jean Harmey wore this bikini on Bondi Beach more than 50 years ago, causing a huge commotion. Credit: Supplied, Kerrie Moore Camera Icon Bondi Beach Inspector Aub Laidlaw stopped Jean from coming to Bondi Beach in the bikini she wore. Credit: News Corp Australia

A spokesman for Sutherland Shire Council, which controls Cronulla beach, said there had not been any fines issued on its beaches relating to sunbathing in recent years.

“Council receives very few complaints about nude bathing on the Shire’s beaches, and only occasionally has to take any form of enforcement action by way of warnings,” he said.

Over at Bondi, a Waverly Council spokesman said they had never had issues on their beaches regarding toplessness.

Seafolly swimwear head designer Genelle Walkom said smaller bikinis have been selling well this summer, spurred by a combination of European influence and the likes of celebrities such as Kim Kardashian.

Camera Icon Andrew Velevska, pictured right, loves the beach and has a drawer full of cheeky bikini’s. Credit: News Corp Australia, Tim Hunter.

Andrea Velevska is always at Manly beach and said she has a drawer full of cheeky ­bikinis. But when asked what she thought of a ranger policing beach attire, she said it was “absolutely stupid”.

“What is the difference ­between guys and girls on the beach? I think that would be stupid,” Ms Velevska said.

“I feel like everyone should be comfortable in their own bikinis, whether it’s cheeky or full coverage.

“Maybe people should go to nude beaches if they want to topless tan but I’m not bothered by it.”